State of Texas Executive and Leadership Team

Melissa Higgins, the Chief Financial Officer at State of Texas, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of state operations. Higgins oversees the allocation of public funds, ensuring that financial resources support critical government services and infrastructure projects. By implementing rigorous auditing standards, the Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency and accountability in all fiscal reporting. Melissa Higgins directs the development of long-term financial strategies, balancing revenue streams with the operational requirements of various state agencies. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of economic indicators to mitigate fiscal risks and ensure the efficient use of taxpayer dollars. Through precise financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer supports the stability of state programs and services. Higgins drives improvements in accounting processes, enhancing the accuracy of budgetary projections. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial future of the state, providing the necessary capital to sustain essential public functions and promote economic growth across the entire region.

Daniel Estrada, the Chief Financial Officer & Director, Finance & Accounting, Texas Historical Commission at State of Texas, manages the specific fiscal requirements of historical preservation and cultural resource management. Estrada oversees the financial reporting and accounting operations for the commission, ensuring that funding for heritage projects remains secure and compliant with state regulations. By directing the allocation of grants and operational budgets, the Chief Financial Officer & Director, Finance & Accounting, Texas Historical Commission supports the maintenance of state landmarks and historical sites. Daniel Estrada coordinates with state auditors to verify the integrity of financial records and project expenditures. This role requires balancing the unique funding needs of historical preservation with broader state fiscal policies. Through meticulous oversight of accounting practices, the Chief Financial Officer & Director, Finance & Accounting, Texas Historical Commission ensures that cultural assets receive consistent financial support. Estrada drives fiscal accountability, enabling the commission to fulfill its mission of protecting the rich history of the state for future generations.

Janie Duarte, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at State of Texas, assists in the management of state fiscal operations and budgetary oversight. Duarte supports the development of financial policies, ensuring that all accounting practices adhere to state and federal standards. By monitoring daily expenditures and revenue collection, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer provides critical data for financial planning and resource allocation. Janie Duarte coordinates with various departments to ensure that budget requests align with the strategic priorities of the state. This role involves conducting detailed financial analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve operational efficiency. Through the management of fiscal reporting systems, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer maintains the accuracy and transparency of state financial records. Duarte drives the implementation of internal controls, reducing financial risk and ensuring the responsible use of public funds. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer supports the financial stability of the state, enabling the consistent delivery of essential government services.

Alicia Schneider, the Chief of Staff at State of Texas, manages high-level administrative operations and coordinates cross-agency initiatives. Schneider directs the daily workflow of the executive office, ensuring alignment with state-wide policy goals and legislative priorities. By facilitating communication between department heads, the Chief of Staff optimizes internal processes and enhances government responsiveness. Alicia Schneider monitors the implementation of strategic projects, providing oversight to ensure compliance with public mandates. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with various state agencies to streamline service delivery for all Texans. Through rigorous management of executive resources, the Chief of Staff maintains operational stability across the government infrastructure. Schneider drives efficiency by identifying bottlenecks in administrative procedures and implementing scalable solutions. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of providing accessible, reliable government services to the public, ensuring that administrative functions remain focused on the needs of the state population.

Drew McGrath, the Chief Information Officer at State of Texas, architects the digital framework supporting government services and public data access. McGrath oversees the modernization of IT infrastructure, ensuring secure and reliable platforms for all state-wide digital interactions. By managing large-scale technology projects, the Chief Information Officer drives the transition toward cloud-based solutions and enhanced cybersecurity protocols. Drew McGrath coordinates with technical teams to protect sensitive citizen information while improving the user experience on the official state portal. This role involves evaluating emerging technologies to increase operational efficiency across diverse government departments. Through strategic planning, the Chief Information Officer ensures that digital tools remain resilient against evolving threats. McGrath maintains a focus on long-term technological sustainability, enabling seamless access to government resources for residents. By prioritizing innovation in digital service delivery, the Chief Information Officer strengthens the technological foundation of the state, fostering a more connected and responsive government environment for every citizen.

Janet Bray, the Chief Human Resources Officer at State of Texas, directs the talent management and workforce development strategies for the state government. Bray oversees recruitment, employee benefits, and professional training programs, ensuring that the public sector attracts and retains skilled professionals. By implementing modern human capital policies, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a productive and inclusive work environment across all state agencies. Janet Bray manages labor relations and compliance with employment laws, protecting the interests of both the state and its workforce. This leadership role involves designing performance management systems that align individual contributions with the overarching goals of government service. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer addresses staffing needs and promotes career development opportunities. Bray drives initiatives to improve employee engagement and organizational culture. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer builds a robust and capable workforce, ensuring that the state possesses the human talent necessary to deliver high-quality services to the public.

Stephanie Greger, the Deputy Chief of Staff at State of Texas, supports the executive office by managing complex operational projects and inter-agency communications. Greger assists in the execution of policy directives, ensuring that departmental activities remain consistent with the strategic vision of the state leadership. By coordinating meetings and tracking project milestones, the Deputy Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of the executive team. Stephanie Greger facilitates collaboration between various government branches, resolving operational challenges to maintain progress on key initiatives. This role involves preparing briefings and reports that inform executive decision-making processes. Through diligent oversight of administrative tasks, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that the executive office functions smoothly and effectively. Greger drives the implementation of internal improvements, focusing on streamlining communication channels and resource management. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief of Staff provides the necessary support to sustain high-level government operations, ensuring that strategic objectives are met with precision and accountability across the state.

Chet Henry, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at State of Texas, manages the tactical implementation of IT initiatives and infrastructure maintenance. Henry oversees the daily operations of technical support teams, ensuring that government systems remain functional and accessible to the public. By supervising the deployment of software updates and hardware upgrades, the Deputy Chief Information Officer maintains the reliability of the state digital network. Chet Henry coordinates with cybersecurity specialists to monitor system integrity and prevent unauthorized access to government data. This role involves managing vendor relationships and ensuring that technical projects stay within scope and budget. Through the oversight of IT service management, the Deputy Chief Information Officer improves the responsiveness of technical support for state employees and citizens. Henry drives the adoption of standardized technical practices, enhancing the overall performance of the state digital environment. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Information Officer supports the continuous operation of critical government technology, ensuring that digital services remain available and secure.

Bruce Gibson, the Chief of Staff & Office of The Governor Lieutenant at State of Texas, manages the administrative and political operations within the office of the Lieutenant Governor. Gibson directs the staff and coordinates the legislative agenda, ensuring that policy goals are effectively communicated and pursued. By facilitating interactions between the Lieutenant Governor and other government officials, the Chief of Staff & Office of The Governor Lieutenant maintains the flow of critical information and decision-making. Bruce Gibson oversees the development of strategic initiatives that address the needs of the state population. This role involves managing complex schedules and high-priority projects that require immediate executive attention. Through the coordination of policy research and public outreach, the Chief of Staff & Office of The Governor Lieutenant supports the legislative mission of the office. Gibson drives operational efficiency, ensuring that the office remains focused on its core responsibilities. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff & Office of The Governor Lieutenant provides the leadership necessary to advance the state agenda.

Elizabeth Hallmark, the Chief Communications Officer at State of Texas, directs the public messaging and outreach strategies for the state government. Hallmark manages the dissemination of information to the public, ensuring that citizens remain informed about government services, policies, and emergency updates. By overseeing media relations and digital content creation, the Chief Communications Officer maintains a consistent and transparent voice for the state. Elizabeth Hallmark coordinates with various agencies to ensure that public communications are accurate, timely, and accessible. This role involves developing communication plans that address the diverse needs of the state population. Through the management of public relations campaigns, the Chief Communications Officer enhances the public perception of government initiatives. Hallmark drives the use of social media and other digital platforms to increase engagement with residents. Ultimately, the Chief Communications Officer fosters trust and transparency, ensuring that the public remains connected to the government and aware of the resources available to them.