Governor Greg Abbott named Joe Esparza as Chair of the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Additionally, the Governor appointed Brent Connett to the TWC as the Commissioner Representing the Public, for a term set to expire on February 1, 2031. The Commission is charged with overseeing and providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers in Texas.
Esparza has served TWC as the Commissioner Representing Employers over the past two years. Prior to his appointment, Esparza served as the Texas Deputy Secretary of State, having previously served as a Senior Appointments Manager in the Office of the Governor, overseeing numerous gubernatorial appointments during Governor Abbott’s first term. Esparza is a volunteer for the Native Prairies Association of Texas and a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Marble Falls. A graduate of Texas Tech University, Esparza earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications. Esparza received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corps after eight years of active and reserve service.
Governor Abbott also appointed the new Commissioner Representing the Public, Brent Connett of Austin. Most recently, Connett was deputy director of Appointments in the Office of the Governor. His previous experience also includes senior staff-level roles in the Texas Senate and more than 10 years in various leadership roles for a legislative caucus and public policy research foundation. In 2021, he was appointed to the State Employee Charitable Campaign Policy Committee, where he now serves as the chairman. Connett volunteers in multiple ministries at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Austin and with Meals on Wheels. Connett received a Bachelor of Arts in government from The University of Texas at Austin.
The Governor’s full press release can be found here. The press release from the Texas Workforce Commission can be found here.
