Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has announced appointments to the Advisory Council on Cultural Affairs, reappointing Stewart McGregor and Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., and appointing Ethan Gillis. Their terms will run until February 1, 2029. The council provides guidance to the Office of the Governor regarding demographic changes in Texas.

Stewart McGregor, from Forney, is the executive director of the Kaufman Economic Development Corporation. He also serves as co-chair of the Texas Economic Development Council’s Legislative Committee and participates in several local organizations including the International Economic Development Council, Kaufman County Leadership Council, and Kaufman Chamber of Commerce. He is involved with community groups such as the Kaufman Church of Christ and Kaufman Lions Club. McGregor holds 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 serves on leadership committees for both the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Solis earned his 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 from Richardson works as a digital gifts officer for Southern Methodist University. He actively participates in alumni activities through his role on the executive board for Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Network within the University of North Texas Alumni Association (UNTAA), as well as being part of UNTAA’s Dallas County Network. Gillis received his Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of North Texas.

According to Governor Abbott’s office: “The Council advises the Office of the Governor on issues resulting from changes in demographics in the state.”