Governor Abbott Names Chair And Appoints Four To Credit Union Commission
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Elizabeth “Liz” Bayless and appointed David Shurtz and Kay Swan to the Credit Union Commission for terms set to expire on February 15, 2025. Additionally, the Governor appointed Karyn Brownlee for a term set to expire on February 15, 2023, and named Yusuf Farran as chair. The commission supervises the Credit Union Department, which regulates all credit unions organized and chartered under the laws of the state of Texas.
Elizabeth “Liz” Bayless of Austin is retired as the executive vice president of the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation. She is a volunteer for Foundation Communities and a former volunteer for Austin Habitat for Humanity, Capital Area Food Bank, and Help the Homeless Walkathon. Additionally, she is a former member of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association. Bayless received a Bachelor of Arts in natural science from Hollins College and a Master of Arts in biology from the University of Virginia.
David Shurtz of Hudson Oaks is the chief risk officer and general counsel for EECU Credit Union in Fort Worth. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and a volunteer for Junior Achievement, Cook Children’s Radiothon, and Tarrant County Meals on Wheels. Shurtz received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Oklahoma and a Juris Doctor degree from Texas Wesleyan Law School.
Kay Swan of Monahans is the president and CEO of Ward County Credit Union. She is a member of the Monahans Chamber of Commerce and treasurer and member of the Monahans Lions Club. Additionally, she is a former board secretary, board member, and trustee of the Monahans-Wickett-Pyote Independent School District. Swan is a graduate of the Southwest CUNA Management School.
Karyn Brownlee of Coppell is a leadership communications consultant and former school principal in the Coppell ISD. As a member of the Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association, she was a conference presenter and leadership academy graduate. She has served as a judge for the Stoa National Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament, a board member of the Coppell YMCA, a board member of Proven Way Ministries, a volunteer for Life Romania, and a teacher and leadership team member at Prestonwood Church of Plano. Brownlee received a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and a Master of Education in educational leadership from Texas Tech University.
Yusuf Farran of El Paso is an Energy Solutions Engineer with Johnson Controls, Inc. He formerly served as executive director of facilities and transportation at the Canutillo Independent School District. He is a member of the National and Texas Societies of Professional Engineers, and a former Commissioner on the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, and a board member of the El Paso City and County Board of Health, El Paso City Water Conservation Advisory Board, El Paso Community College Foundation Board and El Paso City Ethics Review Commission. Farran received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in engineering from The University of Texas at El Paso.