About the Governor
Governor Greg Abbott
Named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the world by TIME in 2024, Governor Greg Abbott continues to build on his record as a strong conservative leader who fights to preserve Texas values.
Texas Governor’s Mansion History
The Mansion's history began with a $14,500 appropriation from the legislature roughly a decade after Texas became a state in 1845. The construction contract was awarded to Austin master builder Abner Cook who adopted the popular Greek Revival style of architecture for the home. Cook was a man of great vision, and even better resourcefulness. He owned a clay pit on the Colorado River not too far from the construction site, which he used to mold the very bricks that sustain the Mansion's walls today.
The design for the house included a deep veranda, floor-length windows and wide hallways to allow breezes to pass through and cool the house - a summertime necessity here in Texas. The "X-and-Stick" railings on the porch were a trademark of Cook's. Four main rooms were crafted on each floor, two on each side of a broad central hall. Finally, six 29-foot Ionic columns were erected to span the front porch, adding the finishing touches to the stately residence.
In the years that followed, a wealth of colorful stories came to life within this home, and the memories created within the walls are priceless. And so are the collections of art and antiques.
Before the Mansion was closed for an extensive maintenance project in October 2007, the home housed countless valuables including Sam Houston's mahogany four-poster bed, Stephen F. Austin's writing desk, and numerous pieces of valuable art and antique furniture. Thankfully all of these items were removed and in storage when the building was targeted by arson in June 2008.
The Mansion sustained major damage and part of the roof and the porch railings built in 1856 were destroyed by the fire. However, with the support of multiple state agencies, preservationists, history enthusiasts, and proud Texans, the Texas Governor's Mansion has been restored to the grandeur in which it was meant to exist.
Interactive History Timeline
This premier historic home has served as the official residence of Texas governors and their families since 1856. It is the fourth oldest continuously occupied governor's residence in the country and the oldest governor's mansion west of the Mississippi River. Throughout the years, a wealth of colorful stories have come to life within this Texas treasure.
About Us
Since 1967, the Governor's Commission for Women has served the State of Texas to benefit all Texans by supporting the endeavors and wellbeing of Texan women throughout the state. The Commission currently operates with a one-person staff and modest biennial budget, so it creatively utilizes interns, volunteers, and non-profit funds to develop and execute its strategies, implementation plans, and processes to further the Commission's goals.
Our Commissioners
Governor Greg Abbott appointed Governor Greg Abbott appointed Angela Akins Garcia, Katrine Formby, Loreal Sarkisian, Donna Williams, and Hannah Wing Pontikes, and reappointed Gina Bellinger, Gita Bolt, Ashley Bowes Cash, Denise Castillo-Rhodes, Sasha Crane, Maru De La Paz, Amy Henderson, Nathali Parker Weisman, and Angelica Rosales to the Governor's Commission for Women to a term set to expire on December 31, 2027. Additionally, the Governor named Nathali Parker Weisman chair and Denise Castillo-Rhodes vice chair of the Board.
The State Agency Council
The State Agency Council, formerly the State Agency Liaison Group, was established in 1983 by Governor Mark White. On March 30, 2016, Governor Greg Abbott signed Executive Order 1, which allows the Council to continue with its charge.
The State Agency Council provides support to the Governor's Commission for Women and offers professional development training to its members. The Council also presents the Outstanding Women in Texas Government Awards.
Appointments are made by the head of each state agency every two years at the request of the Governor. Agencies appoint no more than two members to serve a two-year term. The executive director of the Governor's Commission for Women appoints the executive board members.
The Governor leads the state government. The Governor signs or vetoes bills passed by the legislature, proposes the state budget, appoints agency heads and, in many states, judges, and commands the state's National Guard. In most states the Governor can also grant pardons.