Gov. Greg Abbott and the state of Texas have recognized the strength, impact and leadership of four women as the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Women in Texas Government Awards. The award highlights women in state service who have stood out as leaders in their field, demonstrating their skills and presence as trailblazers, inspirations and role models for future leaders.
Shunne Powell – who currently serves as chief organizational excellence officer with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) – will receive the Leadership award. Powell has been with the TRS for 14 years, previously serving as deputy chief of organizational excellence and assistant director for Human Resources. She also served as Human Resources manager for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts for seven years and as assistant director of Human Resources for the Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission for eight years.
Meredith Garcia has been selected for the Professional Development award. Garcia has been with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts for more than four years, operating as director of professional development. She previously served in executive leadership positions across multiple companies in the private sector. Garcia was last in a public role between 2000 and 2007, working as the manager for professional development for the Texas State Auditor’s Office.
April Hernandez will receive the Community Involvement award, given for her nearly 18 years of service with the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). She currently works as director of benefit administration; a role held since March 2024. Since joining the agency in 2008, Hernandez has served as a member service analyst, call center lead analyst, manager and director of member services.
Lorna Camacho has been recognized as an up-and-coming leader after receiving the Rising Star award. Camacho was selected for her outstanding work in making insurance information accessible to Spanish-speaking residents, particularly those in Hispanic communities. Bringing more than two decades of television production, advertising, media relations and translation experience to the role, Camacho pioneered the department’s Spanish-language communications program, building it from scratch.
Photos from LinkedIn
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