Governor Abbott appoints four to business advisory council

Governor Greg Abbott has made new appointments to the Business Advisory Council of the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Aaron Negherbon and Patricia Rigney have been appointed for terms ending on February 1, 2025. Matthew Powell and Michael Matthews have been appointed for terms expiring on February 1, 2026, and February 1, 2027, respectively. The Council's role is to offer advice on how state and local governments can support businesses in disaster recovery.

Aaron Negherbon from McKinney serves as CEO of Troops Direct and Cops Direct. He is also involved with the Stonebridge Ranch Country Club Charity Classic as a board member. Negherbon graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.

Patricia Rigney from Edinburg owns Rigney Law Firm and acts as city attorney for Mission. With nearly two decades in law practice, her experience includes roles such as staff attorney for the Thirteenth Court of Appeals and assistant United States attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. She holds several positions including vice president of the Texas City Attorneys Association-Rio Grande Valley Chapter and District 12E chair for the State Bar of Texas Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee. Rigney earned a Bachelor of Arts from UT Pan American and a Juris Doctor from UT School of Law.

Matthew Powell based in Cedar Park is principal at Powell Strategic Communications and Powell Municipal/Economic Development. His public service includes serving three full terms as Mayor on Cedar Park City Council over a span of thirteen years. He is actively engaged with organizations like the Texas Economic Development Council and previously worked as an economic development director for Liberty Hill. His academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science from California Lutheran University, an MBA with emphasis on Organizational Leadership from Concordia University, along with other qualifications.

Colonel Michael Matthews (Ret.) hailing from New Braunfels leads Patriotic Holdings, LLC after thirty years in federal service across various industries including aerospace where he contributed significantly to Boeing's expansion at Port San Antonio. He continues his involvement through teaching leadership courses at institutions like University Oklahoma while being part of National Small Business Association’s Leadership Council among other commitments supporting veterans’ causes.