Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Joe Esparza as Chair of the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and named Brent Connett as Commissioner Representing the Public. Connett’s term will run until February 1, 2031. The TWC is responsible for providing workforce development services to both employers and job seekers in Texas.
Joe Esparza, from Oatmeal, has been serving as the Commissioner Representing Employers at the TWC since 2023. His previous roles include Texas Deputy Secretary of State, senior appointments manager in the Governor’s Office, clerk for the City of Lubbock, and field technician at the Texas General Land Office. Esparza volunteers with the Native Prairies Association of Texas and is a member of Knights of Columbus at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Marble Falls. He served eight years in active and reserve duty with the United States Marine Corps before receiving an honorable discharge. Esparza holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications from Texas Tech University.
Brent Connett, based in Austin, is currently deputy director of Appointments in the Governor’s Office. He has held senior staff positions in the Texas Senate and spent over ten years working with a legislative caucus and public policy research foundation. In 2021, he was appointed to serve on—and now chairs—the State Employee Charitable Campaign Policy Committee. Connett also volunteers with ministries at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Austin and Meals on Wheels. He previously served more than fifteen years with the Texas State Guard where he reached Sergeant First Class rank. Connett earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from The University of Texas at Austin.
