Texas Workforce Commission appoints four to Purchasing from People with Disabilities advisory committee; names chair

The Texas Workforce Commission voted to appoint four members to the Purchasing from People with Disabilities (PPD) advisory committee and named James Meehan chair through Feb. 1, 2027.

The appointments approve Janelle Sanders (advocate category), Robert Griffin (community rehabilitation program representative), Ruth Davis (community rehabilitation program representative) and Cynthia Watson (individual with a disability employed by a CRP) to first four-year terms ending in February 2029. The commission also approved James Meehan to serve as chair through Feb. 1, 2027; Meehan is the chief executive officer of the Austin Lighthouse for the Blind.

The committee’s membership and chairmanship are governed by the program’s rules limiting members to two consecutive four-year terms; four seats on the PPD advisory committee had reached that limit, prompting the recent recruitment and staff recommendation.

Commissioners moved and seconded the staff recommendation and the motion carried. Staff noted they reviewed applications and recommended the panel based on category fit and qualifications; the recommendation was presented to the commission by Juan Garcia of the Vocational Rehabilitation division.

The appointments give the PPD advisory committee refreshed membership as the program continues its procurement and oversight role to expand contracting opportunities for entities that employ people with disabilities. The new appointments take effect immediately and run through the dates noted above.

Details of the commission action and staff presentation are in the meeting record.