Saluting Texas Lone Stars: The Lone Star section spotlights and recognizes powerful figures across Texas’ public sector and nonprofit landscape. This week’s Lone Star profile is John Hall, president and CEO of HARC, an independent sustainability solutions nonprofit based in the Woodlands.
Your public career highlights and education
I am currently the president and CEO of HARC. Prior to this, I held several roles in the public sector, including as the Senior Deputy Land Commissioner at the Texas General Land Office, Senior Director of Energy Efficiency and Environmental Quality at the Lower Colorado River Authority, and I was the Chairman of the predecessor to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
I have a BA from Sam Houston State University, graduating with double major in Political Science and American History, and a Masters of Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas.
I’ve had a very fulfilling and joyful career where I learned from every job that I have filled; each job prepared me for the next one.
What you like best about public service
Our mission. We apply science to solve Texas’ most urgent sustainability challenges. Our goal is simple: to make a positive impact on people and our planet. To achieve this, our core work focuses on energy and water and the intersection of these areas, including their impacts on communities, resilience, and ecosystems.
For example, economic growth fueled by the expansion of the energy sector and the growth of data centers and AI, consumes large quantities of energy and water. This, combined with increases in population, will place significant stress on the state’s electric grid and water supplies over the next few years and beyond. Tied to this, how we produce, transport, and use energy creates air pollution, adversely impacting public health and communities. These interconnected challenges need real solutions to ensure the resilience of our communities, environment, and the economy.
My colleagues and I work together every day to find cost effective and sustainable solutions to each of these challenges.
An example of some of the best advice you have ever received
- From my parents: “Work hard, respect and treat people right, practice honesty, trust God.”
- At Sunday School: “Treat people the way that you would like to be treated.”
- From my mentors: “Never stop learning; and recognize that you will always need other people’s help to succeed.”
Something you wish more people knew about the division of government you serve
We are improving Texans’ lives through our work every day.
Any current project or initiative that you are working on
A sustainable future for all is our work. Success would bring about a more vibrant economy and a higher quality of life for everyone.
One thing outside of government service people may not know about you
I am very shy, and while I am 71 years old, I have no plans to retire.
