Governor Greg Abbott has announced the appointment of three individuals 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 last until February 1, 2029. The council provides advice to the Office of the Governor regarding demographic changes in Texas.
Stewart McGregor, from Forney, serves as executive director of the Kaufman Economic Development Corporation. He holds positions such as co-chair of the Texas Economic Development Council – Legislative Committee and is involved with organizations including the International Economic Development Council and Kaufman County Leadership Council. McGregor is also an ex-officio member of the Kaufman Chamber of Commerce and participates in local groups like the Kaufman Church of Christ and Kaufman Lions Club. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Abilene Christian University, graduated from 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 educational 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 Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from The University of Texas at Austin.
Ethan Gillis resides in Richardson and works as a digital gifts officer for Southern Methodist University. He actively engages with alumni through his roles on the executive board for Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Network within the University of North Texas Alumni Association (UNTAA) and is also part of UNTAA’s Dallas County Network. Gillis holds a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of North Texas.
“The Council advises the Office of the Governor on issues resulting from changes in demographics in the state,” according to Governor Abbott’s office.
