Governor Greg Abbott has announced appointments to the Advisory Council on Cultural Affairs. Stewart McGregor and Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., have been reappointed, while Ethan Gillis joins as a new member. Their terms will run until February 1, 2029. The council provides advice to the Office of the Governor regarding issues related to demographic changes in Texas.
Stewart McGregor, from Forney, serves as executive director of the Kaufman Economic Development Corporation. He is involved with several organizations, including co-chairing the Texas Economic Development Council – Legislative Committee and participating in the International Economic Development Council and Kaufman County Leadership Council. He also holds an ex-officio role at the Kaufman Chamber of Commerce and is a member of both the Kaufman Church of Christ and Kaufman Lions Club. McGregor holds a Bachelor of Arts from Abilene Christian University, completed training at the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma, and is a certified economic developer.
Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., based in McAllen, is president of South Texas College. He participates on leadership committees for both the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics from Trinity University, an MBA in International Business from Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, and a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from The University of Texas at Austin.
Ethan Gillis lives in Richardson and works as a digital gifts officer for Southern Methodist University. He actively engages with the University of North Texas Alumni Association (UNTAA), serving on its executive board for Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Network and as part of its Dallas County Network. Gillis earned his Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of North Texas.
According to Governor Abbott’s office: “The Council advises the Office of the Governor on issues resulting from changes in demographics in the state.”
