The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) recently announced its new chief deputy commissioner, as well as new leadership for its Administrative Operations, Life and Health, and General Counsel divisions. (click here to read the announcement).
Read ARAWC Government Relations Consultant Ryan Brannan’s comments on the new appointments below:
Jessica Barta, new TDI General CounselI have known Jessica Barta for a long time, back when I was a policy advisor to Governor Perry and she was in government relations at TDI. I have had a great working relationship with her since then, and even advised Governor Perry that she would make a great Injured Employee Counsel at OIEC. We served alongside each other for my entire tenure at the agency. I applaud Commissioner Cassie Brown’s choice as her new general counsel and think Jess will do a great job in her new role. Melissa Burkhart, new Deputy Commissioner of Administrative Operations and Debra Diaz-Lara, new Deputy Commissioner of Life and Health.
Melissa and Debra are both very good employees that have decades of experience at TDI. I relied on their counsel as Commissioner and know they are both experienced, intelligent, diligent employees whose promotions are well deserved. Congratulations Melissa and Debra! Dan Paschal, new Chief Deputy Commissioner
I hired Dan Paschal and brought him over from TxDOT. Before moving to TDI, he was the Acting DWC Commissioner, a position he held until Jeff Nelson received his appointment. Commissioner Cassie Brown wisely hired him when the opportunity presented itself. I think the world of Dan, and I consider him to be amongst the top hires in the agency. He will serve Cassie well and will be a major asset to her team at TDI.
Ultimately, none of these new appointments are going to impact ARAWC’s mission in my opinion. Jess and Dan, in particular, are both familiar with the Texas model and why it is a model for other states. They will not want to do anything to disrupt its effectiveness.