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Bexar County Elections Commission unanimously appoints Michelle Carew as county elections administrator
Summary
The Bexar County Elections Commission voted unanimously to appoint Michelle Carew as the county elections administrator following a Robert Half executive search and an executive session held under Texas Government Code §551.074. Commissioners praised Carew’s experience and asked staff to begin onboarding.
The Bexar County Elections Commission voted unanimously to appoint Michelle Carew as the county elections administrator after reviewing candidates identified through a Robert Half executive search and holding an executive session under Texas Government Code §551.074.
County Judge Sakai, chair of the Bexar County Elections Commission, said the commission had conducted a “very thorough process with integrity and professionalism” and asked for a motion to approve an order appointing Michelle Carew. The motion to appoint Carew was made by Luciana Clark and seconded on the record; the commission then conducted a roll-call vote in which each member recorded a vote in favor. Judge Sakai announced the vote was unanimous and instructed county staff to assist with onboarding.
Why it matters: The appointment names the official responsible for administering elections in Bexar County, a role commissioners said will shape voter registration, turnout efforts and operational decisions ahead of future partisan and other elections.
Commissioners and other participants said Robert Half’s recruitment produced a candidate with relevant experience. In describing Carew’s background, the commission noted she has more than a decade of experience in election administration, has served as president of the Texas Elections Administrators Association and has worked as an advocate for election administrators at the state Legislature. Dr. Osterholm, a commission member, said Carew is a certified elections registration administrator and praised her business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
Commission member Restek emphasized the importance of public confidence in election results, saying: “Our citizens need to have confidence that when they vote, their vote is being recorded in the proper manner and that elections are are fair.” County Judge Sakai added, “I truly believe she's up to the task.”
The commission discussed next steps for public introductions and coordination with party chairs, volunteers and poll watchers. Judge Sakai said the commission intends to work with the new administrator on outreach and to assess departmental needs; he asked that, after legal and onboarding steps are complete, the administrator meet the public and stakeholders either individually or at a public meeting.
No formal budget or staffing changes were adopted during the meeting; commissioners said the incoming administrator will decide on her executive team and staffing. The commission directed county staff (identified in the meeting as Noah Barcia and others) to assist with processing and onboarding once the appointment paperwork is finalized.
Votes at a glance: The commission voted unanimously to approve an order appointing Michelle Carew as county elections administrator. The recorded roll-call votes in the transcript show all present members voting in favor; the chair announced the vote was unanimous.
Background: The commission conducted interviews and candidate evaluation in executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code §551.074 (personnel matters). The commission thanked outgoing elections administrator Jackie Callanan for her service and noted her retirement.
