Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Theresa Chang and Karen Partee to the Texas Commission on the Arts, with their terms set to end on August 31, 2031. The Commission aims to encourage a supportive environment for the arts in Texas, enhancing cultural life for residents and attracting talented artists to the state.
Theresa Chang, based in Houston, is an attorney in Harris County. She previously served as Judge of Harris County Civil Court #2. Her professional affiliations include membership in the State Bar of Texas and serving on boards such as Law Focused Education, Inc., South Texas College of Law Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Houston Grand Opera Underwriters, Theater Under the Stars Board of Directors, Asia Society of Texas Board of Directors, and Chinese Community Center Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Chang has also been part of the University of Houston Board of Regents, Asian American Bar Association of Houston Board of Directors, and Commission for Lawyer Discipline. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from National Taiwan University, a Master’s degree from Texas A&M University Kingsville, and a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law.
Karen Partee from McKinney serves as executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Texas Bank and Trust Company. Since January 2024, she has chaired the Texas Commission on the Arts. Partee is certified as a financial marketing professional by the Institute of Certified Bankers. She sits on several boards including those for the American Bankers Association’s School of Bank Marketing and ABA Certified Financial Marketing Professionals. Other roles include national board member for the Texas Tech Alumni Association, past president and sustaining member with Junior League of Longview, former member at The University of Texas at Tyler College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board, and Longview Museum of Fine Arts Advisory Board. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Texas Tech University along with honors diplomas from banking institutes.
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