Governor Greg Abbott appointed Shelbi Davenport and Al Henderson, and reappointed Kori Allen, Billy Blanchard, Evelyn Cano, Juan Lopez, and Ben Willis to the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities for terms expiring in February 2027 or 2028, according to an April 14 announcement. The committee is responsible for recommending changes in disability policies and programs across Texas.
The appointments are part of ongoing efforts by the Texas Governor’s office to advance cultural and social understanding through commissions supporting opportunities for women and people with disabilities, according to the official website. The committee also supports a network of local committees on people with disabilities, issues awards that promote greater awareness of disability issues, and encourages compliance with relevant laws.
Shelbi Davenport is a program coordinator at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension who serves on several boards related to disability advocacy. Kori Allen works as ADA & Capital Programs Coordinator for the City of Coppell and chairs multiple accessibility committees. Billy Blanchard is a vocational rehab counselor at the Texas Workforce Commission. Evelyn Cano co-founded the Disability Chamber of Commerce Rio Grande Valley. Juan Lopez sits on the board of the Valley Association for Independent Living. Ben Willis volunteers as an ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy Association while studying engineering at Texas A&M University. Al Henderson retired from his role as American Disability Act Coordinator for Fort Worth and holds leadership positions in organizations such as Tuskegee Airmen Inc.
The Office of the Texas Governor provides services statewide while making appointments like these to boards that support economic opportunity, education, public safety, and programs benefiting people with disabilities according to its official website. Greg Abbott currently serves as the 48th governor leading this executive branch according to its official website.
The Governor’s Mansion has served as both a historic symbol—being established in 1856—and an active residence; it stands today as one of America’s oldest continuously occupied governor’s residences according to state records.
These appointments reflect broader goals by state leadership: promoting inclusion throughout government policy while providing guidance that impacts communities across Texas.
