It is my pleasure to share with you information about three new commissioners for the Texas Animal Health
Commission. They are replacing commissioners whose terms have expired.  Poultry Commissioner Ralph Simmons
replaces Poultry Commissioner Tommy Bozka of Shiner.  Replacing Beef Industry Commissioner Dick Sherron, M.D. of Beaumont,
is Mr. Coleman Hudgins Locke of Wharton.  Ms. Rita Esther Baca of El Paso is taking the seat vacated by Public Member Commissioner Quincy Barnes of San Antonio.  The new commissioners will receive orientation in early May, and their first commission meeting is set for Tuesday,
May 25, in Austin.  All commission meetings are open to the public.

Below is a news release from the Governor's office, announcing the new appointments.

Apr. 30, 2004


Governor Appoints Three to Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has announced the appointment of three individuals to the Texas Animal Health Commission for terms to expire Sept. 6, 2009. The commission protects and enhances the health of Texas animal populations.

Ralph Simmons of Center is director of live production for Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation facilities in Nacogdoches and Lufkin. He is director and past president of the Texas Poultry Federation and past chairman of the United States Poultry and Egg Association. He is past chairman of the Harold E. Ford Scholarship Foundation and serves on the board of directors of the Texas Poultry Federation. He received a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University.

Coleman H. Locke of Wharton is a partner and manager of the Locke Division of J. D. Hudgins Ranch. He is vice president of J. D. Hudgins, Inc., and is a past president and director of the American Brahman Breeders Association and the Texas Brahman Association. Locke is director of the Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association and Port City Stockyards. He is vice chairman of the National Cattleman’s Beef Association, president of the Texana Community Band and a song leader at the Wharton Church of Christ. He received a bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University.

Rita E. Baca Benton of El Paso is a sales representative for Allstate Insurance. She is a member of the Volar Center for Independent Living and the International Director of the Northeast Rotary Club of El Paso. Benton is a member of Sunmasters Toastmasters, the United States Polo Association and the El Paso Greater Chamber of Commerce Business Resources Executive Committee. She is a graduate of the El Paso Greater Chamber of Commerce Leadership of El Paso and Bauder Fashion College in Arlington.

These appointments are subject to senate confirmation.