Governor Greg Abbott appointed Leslie Cantu, Marla Williams, Elizabeth “Elle” Holtzman, and Jeanie Beaman and reappointed Peggy Schmidt to the Rehabilitation Council of Texas for terms ending October 29, 2028, according to a Mar. 25 announcement. The council works with the Texas Workforce Commission to support people with disabilities in vocational rehabilitation.
The appointments reflect ongoing efforts by state leadership to address employment and inclusion for Texans with disabilities. The council’s partnership aims to improve opportunities for individuals seeking meaningful work through rehabilitation services.
Cantu is vice president at Toyotetsu Texas, Inc., chairs Workforce Solutions Alamo, and participates in several advisory boards related to education and workforce development. Williams is founder of Strategic Employment Solutions LLC and has experience as an employment specialist contracted by the state as well as years spent working in special education within public schools. Holtzman works at Stormie’s SnoCones and T-Shirts and serves on the leadership team for Southeast Texas Self-Advocates under The Arc of Greater Beaumont.
Beaman is a senior staff advocate at Disability Rights Texas with more than three decades as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor; she also serves on boards related to rehabilitation advocacy. Schmidt is associate director at the University of North Texas’ Workplace Inclusion and Sustainable Employment program and volunteers in youth programs at her church.
The Office of Governor Greg Abbott has contributed to job growth across Texas according to its official website. The office maintains its primary location in Austin’s State Insurance Building according to its official website. Governor Abbott was recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to its official website. Since his election in 2014, Abbott has led efforts focused on job creation, economic opportunity, education improvement, protection of individual liberties, parental involvement in schooling decisions, and border security according to its official website.
The governor’s office delivers services statewide across Texas according to its official website.
