Tyler Man Named To Ag Commissioner-Elect’s Transition Team

AUSTIN – A Smith County man is one of 11 persons being named to Agriculture Commissioner-elect Sid Miller’s transition team. One of the members of the team is Pierre De Wet of Tyler, agricultural entrepreneur and President & Founder of Kiepersol Enterprises. Miller said De Wet and other members of the team will be working with him to ensure the TDA is focused on the many critical issues facing Texas including our state’s long-term water needs, strengthening and promoting the state’s equine industry, and protecting consumer safety.

Other members of the team include:
Outgoing State Representative Allen Ritter of Nederland, the current Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee and author of the legislation creating the state’s long-term water plan

Lillie Gilligan of Austin, health & human services expert and water conservation advocate

Outgoing State Representative Bill Callegari of Katy, civil engineer and one of the state’s leading water experts

Jim Reaves of Austin, Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs with the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association

Johnny Trotter of Hereford, President of the American Quarter Horse Association, CEO of Livestock Investors LLT, owner of Bar G Feedyard, and 2015 inductee of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

Kenneth Banks of Schulenburg, President of IMCO and council and committee member of the American Quarter Horse Foundation

Bob Reeves of Center, President of C & R Refrigeration & Reeves Enterprises, of Center, East Texas rancher and timber producer

Diane Chilton-Harper of Pilot Point, World Champion Quarter Horse Breeder & Founder and Chair of the Texas Bred Horse Association

Sylvia Hernandez Maddox of Austin, former President of the Republican Hispanic National Assembly, conservative leader, and seventh generation South Texas rancher

Commissioner-elect Miller said that he will be announcing additional members of his transition team later this week.

“These dedicated Texans come from varied backgrounds and are from different parts of our state, but they share a common dedication to improving the lives of Texans and preserving our unique Texas heritage. They are all committed to helping me strengthen the Texas Department of Agriculture and helping to ensure that it is working to improve the lives of the people of Texas,” Miller said.