AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott today announced several staff changes within the Office of the Governor. Robert Black, who was named Chief of Staff Monday, will lead the governor’s team going into the 89th legislative session.
“I am pleased to announce this exceptional group of talented individuals who will help tackle the challenges of the upcoming legislative session head-on,” Abbott said. “Texans deserve public servants whose commitment to the state is unwavering.
“With this experienced team, we will be wellequipped to deliver major accomplishments for all Texans and enact policies that will help build a bigger, better Texas,” he added.
Tabatha Vasquez has been promoted to senior adviser for Budget and Policy. Vasquez previously served as the governor’s Policy Director and Deputy Budget and Policy Director.
She has held various positions within the Texas Legislature, including Chief of Staff in the House, legislative director, and Sunset Committee director for Sen. Brian Birdwell.
Prior to her state service, she consulted and managed dozens of campaigns for candidates at all levels of government, both in Texas and across the country. Vasquez attended Mars Hill University, where she majored in sociology and criminal justice, minored in business, and played Division II women’s soccer.
Robert Howden will serve as senior adviser and director of Legislative Affairs beginning Sept. 9, 2024. Howden is an independent legislative and public affairs consultant.
Prior to forming his consulting business, Howden served Gov. Rick Perry as communications director and senior adviser and oversaw the Governor’s Task Force on Economic Development Growth.
Additionally, Howden led the National Federation of Independent Business Texas and, prior to this role, served on Gov. Bill Clements’ staff and the Texas Department of Commerce.
Howden is a member of the University of Texas Chancellor’s Council executive committee and is chairman of the Texas Exes Legislative Committee.
Howden received a bachelor’s degree in science from UT.
Brady Franks will serve as state budget director beginning Aug. 1, 2024. Franks is the co-founder of MF Advisors.
Franks previously served as a budget and policy adviser to Abbott and was later promoted to deputy budget and policy director. Before joining the Office of the Governor, he was the director for government relations at UT.
Franks has also held various roles within the Texas Legislature, including as a budget analyst and subcommittee clerk for the Appropriations Committee and as a senior budget and policy adviser to the Speaker of the House.
Franks received a bachelor’s degree in government and a master’s degree in community and regional planning and public affairs from UT.
Michael Hull will serve as policy director beginning Aug. 1, 2024. Hull currently serves as the chief research officer and senior adviser for the Vice Chancellor of Disaster and Emergency Services at the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
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