AUSTIN– Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Brent Connett to the State Employee Charitable Campaign Policy Committee for a term set to expire on September 1, 2023. Additionally, the Governor reappointed Vanessa Cortez Tanner and appointed Daniel Bivens for terms set to expire on September 1, 2024. The Committee helps develop rules and procedures for the State Employee Charitable Campaign and reviews the recommended campaign plan.

Brent Connett of Austin is the deputy director of appointments in the Office of the Texas Governor Greg Abbott, assisting the Governor with his constitutional authority to select Texans for public service opportunities on state boards, commissions, and task forces. His previous experience includes senior staff-level roles in the Texas Senate and more than 10 years in various roles for a legislative caucus and public policy research foundation. He serves in the Texas State Guard, having earned the rank of Sergeant First Class, and volunteers with Meals on Wheels and multiple ministries of his church in Austin. Connett received a Bachelor of Arts in Government from the University of Texas at Austin.

Vanessa Cortez Tanner of Austin is chief of staff for Representative Brad Buckley. Previously, she was chief of staff for Representative Scott Sanford and employed as a committee clerk and director for the Texas Senate Committee on Administration. She is a member and past president of the Texas State University Austin Alumni Chapter, board member of the Wittliff Collections Advisory Board at Texas State University, a member of the Texas State University System Chancellor's Council, and a former council member of the Texas State Leadership Council for University Advancement. Tanner received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Mass Communication from Texas State University.

Daniel Bivens of Austin is retired from the State of Texas, where he served as director of the Office of Public Utility Counsel and a program specialist at the Railroad Commission of Texas. He was previously interim discipleship pastor at Hyde Park Baptist Church and currently volunteers as a grow group teacher and with other church ministries. Bivens received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.