Austin, On July 1, 2024 - Governor Greg Abbott today announced Robert Black as Chief of Staff, effective July 22, 2024. This announcement follows the departure of the Governor’s current Chief of Staff, Gardner Pate, effective July 26, 2024.

“With over three decades of political, government, and corporate experience, Robert Black’s wealth of knowledge and deep understanding of Texas will be instrumental in our efforts to build a bigger, better Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Gardner Pate’s outstanding service helped my team navigate a challenging legislative session and multiple special sessions that resulted in major achievements for all Texans. I am grateful for Gardner’s remarkable leadership and his unwavering service to the State of Texas.”

Robert Black will serve as Chief of Staff within the Office of the Governor. Black recently served as Vice President of Public Affairs for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and previously served as Vice President of External Affairs for American Electric Power Texas. He is also the founder of Robert Black & Associates, serving numerous Fortune 500 companies with communications, governmental affairs, and consulting services. Black also served as Governor Rick Perry’s Press Secretary and Communications Director, Deputy Communications Director for Governor Rick Perry’s 2011 presidential campaign, Senior Media Advisor for Governor Greg Abbott’s 2014 campaign, and Communications Director for Greg Abbott’s 2002 campaign for Attorney General. Additionally, he worked for two Texas state senators and began his career working for Representative Tom Craddick. Black received a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at San Antonio.