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 across Texas.
Joe Esparza, from Oatmeal, has been serving as the Commissioner Representing Employers at the TWC since 2023. His prior 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 and 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 in leadership roles within a legislative caucus and public policy research foundation. In 2021, he was appointed to the State Employee Charitable Campaign Policy Committee and now serves as its chairman. Connett also volunteers at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Austin and with Meals on Wheels. He served more than 15 years in the Texas State Guard, reaching Sergeant First Class, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from The University of Texas at Austin.
“I am confident that Joe Esparza’s leadership will continue to benefit our state’s workforce efforts,” said Governor Abbott. “Brent Connett brings valuable experience that will serve Texans well on this important commission.”
