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Texas Board of Nursing approves pay increase and leave for executive director
Summary
After a closed executive session, the Texas Board of Nursing unanimously approved raising Executive Director Kristen Benton's base salary from $171,547 to $203,337, effective Sept. 1, 2025, and awarded 80 hours (10 days) of administrative leave, citing her leadership and work on Operation Nightingale.
The Texas Board of Nursing voted unanimously July 18 to raise Executive Director Kristen Benton's annual base salary from $171,547 to $203,337, effective Sept. 1, 2025, and to grant her 80 hours (10 days) of administrative leave.
The motion was introduced by board member Drew Riddle, who said the increase and leave award were warranted by Benton's "exceptional work as the executive director of the Texas Board of Nursing." Maisie Jamieson seconded the motion. The board chair called the vote and the measure carried unanimously.
Board members and the chair praised Benton's oversight of the agency, her role in Operation Nightingale and her work to keep the board informed. The chair said the board had the legislative authority to place Benton at the top of the authorized pay range for level five positions and that the action reflected that discretion.
The vote followed an executive session convened under Texas Government Code x551.074 on personnel matters, where the board conducted Benton's annual performance evaluation. The board returned to open session and recorded the formal motion and vote.
No additional conditions or changes to Benton's duties were described at the meeting; staff noted only that the action recognized the director's leadership and contributions. The board did not indicate any further procedural steps beyond documenting the motion and its effective date.
