Governor Abbott Appoints Eight To Texas Workforce Investment Council
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Jesse Cecil Gatewood, Michael Hinojosa, Ed.D., John Martin, and Richard “Rick” Rhodes to the Texas Workforce Investment Council for terms set to expire September 1, 2023. Additionally, the Governor has appointed Brandon Willis and reappointed Mark Dunn, Tom Halbouty, and Richard Rhodes, Ph.D. for terms set to expire on September 1, 2025. The Council engages in a collaborative, systematic view of workforce development programs throughout the state and provides for planning, evaluation, research, and other functions related to 19 workforce programs.
Jesse Cecil Gatewood of Corpus Christi is business manager and financial secretary for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 278. He volunteers with Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Coastal Bend (CASA). He is former chairman of the Apprenticeship and Training Association of Texas and a board member of the Coastal Community and Teachers Credit Union. Gatewood is also chairman of the Public Relations Committee for Workforce of the Coastal Bend.
Michael Hinojosa, Ed.D. of Dallas is Superintendent of Schools for the Dallas Independent School District. He is a member of the North Texas Commission Board of Directors and The Council of the Great City Schools Executive Committee. Hinojosa received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas Tech University, a Master of Education from the University of North Texas, and a Doctor of Education degree from The University of Texas at Austin.
John Martin of San Antonio is training director for the South Texas Electrical Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee. He is a member of the National Electrical Training Directors Association, secretary-treasurer of the State Apprenticeship and Training Association of Texas, and a former board member of the Durham and the North Carolina Workforce Development Board. Martin is a Master Electrician licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
Richard “Rick” Rhodes of Austin is retired, having previously worked in senior state government positions with the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Office of the Texas Governor. He is a member of the Texas Economic Development Council, and previously volunteered as an elder at The Lakeway Church and Hill Country Bible Church, and as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Sweetwater. Rhodes received a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin.
Brandon Willis of Beaumont is the public affairs agent for the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 450 chapter in Dayton. He participates in the Houston Business Roundtable, and he volunteers as a youth sports coach for the Lumberton Little Dribblers. Willis received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Lamar University.
Mark Dunn of Lufkin is president of Dunn’s Construction, LLC. He is active in the Rotary Club of Lufkin and the Region I Water Development Board, and serves as a volunteer pilot for Pilots for Patients. Dunn received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from Sam Houston State University. He was first appointed to the Texas Workforce Investment Council in 2011, and currently serves as chairman.
Tom Halbouty of Southlake currently serves as an advisor to Builders Venture Capital, where he reviews technology innovation and related investments. He serves on the Cockrell School of Engineering Board of Advisors at The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to retirement, he was responsible for technology, innovation and business consulting for a large energy Company. He also vice-chaired Energistics, a global standards board for the energy sector. He also advised on national competitive issues with the Council on Competitiveness based in Washington, D.C. Halbouty received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Houston and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Dallas. Tom was first appointed to the Workforce Investment Council in 2013.
Richard Rhodes, Ph.D. of Austin is president and chief executive officer of the Austin Community College District. He served as past chair of the Board for American Youthworks, as well as serving on the boards of local Chambers of Commerce. He is also a member of the board of the Boy Scouts of America, Capitol Area Council. Rhodes received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Master of Arts in Educational Management and Development from New Mexico State University. Additionally, he received doctorate through the Community College Leadership Program at The University of Texas at Austin. He was first appointed to the Workforce Investment Council in 2013.