July 31, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Press Release | Appointment
This week, Governor Greg Abbott selected multiple qualified candidates to serve on behalf of Texans.
First Business Court Division – Governor Abbott reappointed Andrea Bouressa and William “Bill” Whitehill to the First Texas Business Court Division to new two-year terms beginning September 1, 2026. The First Business Court Division is comprised of the counties of Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Kaufman, and Rockwall.
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Third Business Court Division – Governor Abbott reappointed Melissa Andrews and Patrick K. Sweeten to the Third Texas Business Court Division to new two-year terms beginning September 1, 2026. The Third Business Court Division is comprised of the counties of Austin, Bell, Blanco, Bosque, Burnet, Caldwell, Colorado, Comal, Comanche, Coryell, Falls, Fayette, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hamilton, Hays, Hill, Lampasas, Lavaca, Llano, McLennan, Milam, Navarro, Robertson, San Saba, Travis, and Williamson.
Fourth Business Court Division – Governor Abbott reappointed Marialyn Barnard and Stacy Sharp to the Fourth Texas Business Court Division to new two-year terms beginning September 1, 2026. The Fourth Business Court Division is comprised of the counties of Aransas, Atascosa, Bee, Bexar, Calhoun, DeWitt, Dimmit, Frio, Goliad, Jackson, Karnes, LaSalle, Live Oak, Maverick, McMullen, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, Webb, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala.
Eighth Business Court Division – Governor Abbott reappointed Jerry Bullard and Brian Stagner to the Eighth Texas Business Court Division to new two-year terms beginning September 1, 2026. The Eighth Business Court Division is comprised of the counties of Archer, Clay, Cooke, Denton, Eastland, Erath, Hood, Jack, Johnson, Montague, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Stephens, Tarrant, Wichita, Wise, and Young.
Eleventh Business Court Division – Governor Abbott reappointed Sofia Adrogué and Grant Dorfman to the Eleventh Texas Business Court Division to new two-year terms beginning September 1, 2026. The Eleventh Business Court Division is comprised of the counties of Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Matagorda, and Wharton.
Governor’s University Research Initiative – Governor Abbott appointed Brad Drake to the Governor's University Research Initiative Advisory Board for a term set to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. The board was established to assist the Office of the Governor with the review and evaluation of applications for funding of grant proposals and makes recommendations for approval or disapproval of those applications.
Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee – Governor Abbott appointed Katie Pizzolato to Texas Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee for a term set to expire on January 31, 2029. The advisory committee shall advise and provide input to the office regarding the comprehensive strategic plan, solicit recommendations from institutions of higher education, initiative members, and stakeholders on funding and research opportunities related to quantum education and research, design, commercialization, community outreach, and manufacturing projects; and provide recommendations related to research and funding opportunities pertaining to quantum research, design, commercialization, and manufacturing. The office shall, in collaboration with the initiative, develop a strategic plan for the promotion of the quantum economy in this state.
