Governor Greg Abbott appointed Shelbi Davenport and Al Henderson, and reappointed Kori Allen, Billy Blanchard, Evelyn Cano, Juan Lopez, and Ben Willis to the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities for terms ending in February 2027 or 2028, according to an April 14 announcement. The committee is responsible for recommending changes in disability policies and programs across Texas.
The appointments are part of ongoing efforts by the Texas Governor’s office to advance opportunities for people with disabilities and support cultural understanding through commissions focused on inclusivity, according to the official website. The committee also works to increase awareness of disability issues through awards programs and encourages compliance with related laws.
Davenport serves as a program coordinator at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and participates in several advocacy organizations. Allen is ADA & Capital Programs Coordinator for the City of Coppell and has served on the committee since 2020. Blanchard works as a vocational rehab counselor for the Texas Workforce Commission. Cano co-founded the Disability Chamber of Commerce Rio Grande Valley and has been a member since 2018. Lopez is involved with independent living initiatives in Edinburg. Willis volunteers as an ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association while studying engineering at Texas A&M University. Henderson retired from Fort Worth city government after serving as American Disability Act Coordinator.
The Office of the Texas Governor serves as the executive branch of state government, promoting economic opportunity, education, public safety, making board appointments such as these, collaborating with businesses and local governments to foster growth and supporting programs like those benefiting people with disabilities according to its official website. The governor’s office also provides services statewide according to its official website.
Greg Abbott currently leads as the state’s 48th governor according to its official website. The governor’s mansion in Austin has served since 1856 both as residence—making it one of America’s oldest continuously occupied governor’s homes—and a symbol of leadership according to its official website.
These latest appointments reflect continued collaboration between state leaders and advocates working toward improved accessibility policies throughout Texas.
