Elizabeth Anderson appointed to DPS commission

Until this year, the commission consisted of three citizens appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. But the 80th Legislature increased the composition of the commission to five appointees. With Anderson's appointment, the governor has two more commissioners to appoint. It is not known when the remaining appointments will be made. Commissioners serve staggered, six-year terms. Anderson joins commission chair Ernest Angelo Jr., a Midland petroleum engineer and owner of an oil and gas exploration company, and San Antonio attorney Allan B. Polunsky. Her appointment gives the commission the required quorum to be able to convene.

Anderson replaces Louis Sturns, who resigned earlier this year after being appointed a state district judge in Tarrant County. If confirmed by the Senate, Anderson's term would expire December 2011.

Anderson received her bachelor's degree with honors from Southern Methodist University and attended Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government program for senior managers in government.

Another key change in the direction of state commissions was the appointment of Betty Pinckard Reinbeck (right), executive director of the Tomball Economic Development Corp., as chair of the Texas Facilities Commission. The commission is responsible for the acquisition of goods, services and facilities for state government.

Reinbeck has served on the commission since December 2004. She is a resident of Sealy, where she served as mayor for 18 years. She holds a bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University.

Another significant appointment is that of James H. Lee of Houston to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) of Texas Board of Trustees. Board members act as trustees for $135 billion of TRS funds, securities and other assets. Lee heads up a private investment firm in Houston. He received a bachelor's and master's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Also, Gloria Hicks of Corpus Christi and Dr. Robert Schmidt (left) of Fort Worth were appointed to the Texas Racing Commission. The commission oversees pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound racing. Hicks is chief financial officer of a Corpus Christi car dealership. She received a bachelor's degree from Texas A&I University, now Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Schmidt is an orthopedic surgeon and is serving as chief of staff at Plaza Medical Center in Fort Worth. He holds a bachelor's degree from Williams College and earned his medical degree from the University of Virginia.