Governor Abbott Names Chair And Appoints Three To Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Ed Janak and reappointed Drusilla Knight-Villarreal and David Prescott to the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists for terms set to expire on February 1, 2025. Additionally, the Governor named Becky Johnson as chair of the board. The board may set reasonable and necessary fees to be charged applicants and license holders, including fees for application, examination, licensure, and renewal of a license. In addition, the board shall base a fee for examination in a discipline of geoscience on the costs associated with preparing, administering, and grading that examination.
Ed Janak of Fredericksburg is a soil scientist doing business as Edward F. Janak, Jr., CPSS. He is a past president of Professional Soil Scientists Association of Texas, and previously served on the national executive council of the American Society for Mining and Reclamation. Currently, he is the technical editor of the Soils of Mississippi Project for the Professional Soil Classifiers Association of Mississippi and a member of both the Texas Association of Professional Geoscientists and the Soil Society of America. He volunteers with 4H and Future Farmers of America. Janak received a Bachelor of Science in agronomy from Texas A&M University.
Drusilla Knight-Villarreal of Corpus Christi is a retired teacher. She is an emeritus member of the Board for Coastal Bend CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates. Knight-Villarreal received an Associate degree from Del Mar College, Bachelor of Science in political science, speech, and secondary education from Texas A&I University, and a Master of Science along with other state teacher certifications in specialized areas.
David Prescott of Amarillo is President of Talon LPE, LT. He volunteers as president of the Golden Spread Council of Boy Scouts, treasurer of the Amarillo Area Foundation, and on the board of the Amarillo Symphony. Previously, he served as a board member for the Amarillo Area Chamber of Commerce, West Texas A&M University Enterprise Center, and the American Red Cross. Prescott received a Bachelor of Science in environmental science and biology and a Master of Business Administration from West Texas A&M University.
Becky Johnson of Fort Worth is a professor of professional practice at Texas Christian University. She is a past president of the Society of Texas Environmental Professionals and citizen advisory committee member for the City of Fort Worth Waste Management. Johnson received a Bachelor of Science in geology from The University of Texas Arlington and a Master of Science in environmental science and hydrogeology from Texas Christian University.