Governor Abbott Appoints Five To Texas Historical Commission
Governor Greg Abbott appointed Mike Hagee, Kay Hindes, and Dick Tips and reappointed John W. Crain and Gilbert E. "Pete" Peterson, III to the Texas Historical Commission for terms set to expire on February 1, 2031. The Commission provides leadership and coordinates services to support projects commissioned by county historical commissions, historical societies, agencies, and institutions interested in the preservation of archeological and historical heritage. The Commission also acts as a clearinghouse and historical information center.
Mike Hagee of Fredericksburg is retired after serving as a Commandant in the U.S. Marine Corps and as CEO of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. He is the former vice chairman of Montabaur Sister City Verein, a board member for Securing America’s Future Energy and the U.S Global Leadership Coalition, and a former board member of National USO. Hagee received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, and a Master of Arts in International Relations from the U.S. Naval War College.
Kay Hindes of Pleasanton is an archaeologist. Previously, she worked as the city archaeologist of San Antonio. She is a member of the Texas Archeological Society, Southern Texas Archaeological Society, and the San Antonio Conservation Society and is a former scholar board member of the Texas Historical Foundation. Hindes received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from The University of Texas (UT) at San Antonio.
Dick Tips of San Antonio is the chairman and CEO of R.D. Tips, Inc. He has led or funded the restoration of numerous Texas landmarks, including the Fairmount Hotel.His work also includes preservation efforts for the historic Espada Dam and Acequia, the clock tower at Hemisfair Park, and the Mission Burial Park South water tower—a rare twin to the one found at Austin Memorial Park, both originally constructed by his great-grandfather. Tips attended Texas A&M and The University of Texas.
John W. Crain of Dallas is the former vice-chair of the Commission. He is chairman of the board of directors of the Summerlee Foundation and a director of The Bryan Museum. He is past president of the Texas State Historical Association and is one of three life members of the executive committee. Additionally, he is also a former chair of the Dallas County Historical Commission, an advisory director of the Texas State History Museum Foundation, and a former director of the Southern Methodist University Clements Center. He also serves as an emeritus member of the Friends of the Governor's Mansion. Crain received a Bachelor of Arts in History from UT Austin and a Master of Arts in History from Texas State University. He also holds a Certificate in Arts Management from Harvard University and a Certificate in Museum Management from the University of California at Berkeley.
Gilbert E. "Pete" Peterson, III of Alpine has more than 50 years of professional experience in the varied fields of education, investments, timberland, and ranching. He has served in many volunteer capacities in the Trans-Pecos region. He is an emeritus director of the Davis Mountains Trans-Pecos Heritage Association, past president of the board of the Museum of the Big Bend, and past vice-president of the Friends of the Center for Big Bend Studies. While serving on the Alpine Public Library board, he helped to manage construction of the city’s library. He is a member of the Board of the Friends of the Governor’s Mansion and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Peterson received a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts from Southern Methodist University.