Governor Abbott Appoints Four To The Texas Juvenile Justice Board

March 1, 2019 | Austin, Texas | Appointment

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Mona Lisa Chambers and Melissa Martin and reappointed Scott Matthew and Vincent Morales, Jr. to the Texas Juvenile Justice Board for terms set to expire on February 1, 2025. The board is charged to develop and implement rules to govern the department, executive director, and staff and to establish the mission and set goals for the department to emphasize keeping youth in home communities while balancing rehabilitative needs with public safety.

Mona Lisa Chambers of Houston is an adjunct professor with Houston Community College. She is a member of the University of Houston Alumni and the Emancipation Economic Development Council in Houston's historical 3rd Ward. Chambers recevied a Texas Teacher Certification from the State Board for Educator Certification, a Certificate in Music from Clayton Johnson School of Music, a Bachelor of Science in AutoCad Technology from the University of Houston, and a Master of Science in computer information systems from the University of Phoenix.

Melissa Martin of Deer Park is a career and technology teacher for the Galena Park Independent School District. She is a member of the Association of Texas Professional Educators, advisor for the Family Career and Community Leaders of America, and a former advisor for the Texas Association of Future Educators. She was previously appointed to the Texas Commission on Public School Finance. Martin received a Bachelor of Science in family and consumer science and a Master of Education in education administration from Lamar University.

Scott Matthew of Georgetown is the Executive Director and Chief Juvenile Probation Officer of the Williamson County Juvenile Services and is a Magistrate for the cities of Jarrell, Granger and Bartlett. He is a member of the board of directors of the Georgetown Health Foundation and Project Georgetown. Additionally he is a member of the Texas Probation Association, Texas State Bar Juvenile Committee, and the Teas Municipal Courts Association, and has volunteered previously on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Georgetown and the Children’s Support Coalition. Matthew received a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts from Southwestern University and a Master Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Vincent Morales, Jr. of Rosenberg is a Fort Bend County Commissioner for Precinct 1. He was previously elected Mayor of Rosenberg and was vice president of GreenScapes Associates, LLC. He serves as president of Fort Bend PAWS, benefiting Fort Bend County Animal Services, and previously as a board member for West Fort Bend Management District, Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Lamar Education Awards Foundation, and Central Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. Morales attended the University of Houston.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.