Governor Rick Perry Makes New State Appointments

Governor Rick Perry has appointed a new commissioner of Workers’ Compensation at the Texas Department of Insurance and a new member to the State Board for Educator Certification.

The July 28 appointment of Ryan Brannan of Austin will take effect on August 1, 2014. According to the governor’s office, TDI’s Division of Workers’ Compensation ensures injured workers receive necessary benefits to return to work quickly, and that workers' compensation costs are reasonable for Texas employers.

According to the governor’s office, Brannan was most recently an advisor in the Governor’s Office Division of Budget, Planning and Policy, focusing on issues relating to the insurance industry. Brannan will replace Rod Bordelon who held the position for nearly six years.

“I appreciate Rod’s commitment to representing his fellow Texans throughout his years of service at the Texas Department of Insurance, and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Gov. Perry said. “I am confident that Ryan’s experience with the insurance industry will help him lead the Worker’s Compensation division, and pleased that he has volunteered to serve Texas in this capacity.”

Leon Leal of Grapevine was appointed to the State Board for Educator Certification. His term will expire February 1, 2017. The board develops certification, continuing education requirements and standards of conduct for public school teachers.

According to Perry’s office, Leal is a past vice president and secretary of the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District Board of Trustees, a volunteer for the Grapevine High School College Go Center, and a past trustee and past member of the Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine Finance and Growth and Quality committees.