Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Joe Esparza as Chair of the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and named Brent Connett as Commissioner Representing the Public. Connett’s term will last until February 1, 2031. The TWC is responsible for providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers in Texas.
Joe Esparza, from Oatmeal, has been serving as the Commissioner Representing Employers at the TWC since 2023. His prior roles include Texas Deputy Secretary of State, senior appointments manager in the Office of the Governor, clerk for the City of Lubbock, and field technician for the Texas General Land Office. He volunteers with the Native Prairies Association of Texas and is a member of Knights of Columbus at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Marble Falls. Esparza served eight years in active and reserve duty with the United States Marine Corps before receiving an honorable discharge. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications from Texas Tech University.
Brent Connett, based in Austin, currently serves as deputy director of Appointments in the Office of the Governor. His background includes senior staff positions in the Texas Senate and over ten years in leadership roles within a legislative caucus and public policy research foundation. In 2021, he was appointed to the State Employee Charitable Campaign Policy Committee and now serves as its chairman. Connett also volunteers at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Austin and with Meals on Wheels. He previously spent more than 15 years with the Texas State Guard, reaching Sergeant First Class rank. Connett earned his Bachelor of Arts in Government from The University of Texas at Austin.
