Aging Texas Well Advisory Committee

Texas Gov. Rick Perry issued an executive order in April 2005 creating the Aging Texas Well Advisory Committee. The order formalizes the ATW initiative and charges the department to continue its work identifying and discussing aging policy issues, guiding state government readiness, and promoting increased community preparedness for Texas’ older adult population.

Under the executive order, the advisory committee shall advise the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and make recommendations to state leadership on implementation of the ATW initiative. A comprehensive, strategic, master plan is developed by HHSC to carry out the orders mandates and guide aging policies and priorities.

HHSC also leads a planning effort to ensure the readiness of all Texas state agencies to serve an aging population by identifying issues, current initiatives, and future needs.

Members

Ramsey Longbotham, Chair 
Representing: People who are age 50 or older
Region 8, Victoria

Shakita Johnson, Vice Chair 
Representing: Area Agencies on Aging 
Region 3, Fort Worth

Mallory Freitag Hejja 
Representing: Aging and Disability Resource Centers 
Region 6, Houston

Demetress Harrell   
Representing: Caregivers of older adults 50+ (nonprofessional or family caregivers)  
Region 5, Lufkin

Konette Hortonn 
Representing: Providers of Residential Setting 
Region 4, Mesquite

Gladys Maestre 
Representing: Academic Community 
Region 11, Rancho Viejo

Natalee Oliver 
Representing: Caregivers of a person who is age 50 or older (non-professional or family caregiver) 
Region 7, Fort Worth

Dr. Michael Poku 
Representing: Aging services delivery network; Providers from a community setting 
Region 7, Plano

Dr. June Sadowsky 
Representing: Older adults; Aging services delivery network 
Region 6, Houston

Charles Scoma 
Representing: Advocates of people over 50 (organization) 
Region 3, North Richland Hills

Michael Zendejas 
Representing: Caregivers of older adults 50+ (professional) 
Region 8, San Antonio

Angela Medina – Ex Officio   
Representing: Department of Family and Protective Services   
Region 7, Austin

Crystal Stark – Ex Officio   
Representing: Texas Workforce Commission   
Region 7, Austin

Lynda Taylor - Ex Officio   
Representing: Department of State Health Services   
Region 7, Austin

Resources

Meeting Dates

Unless otherwise announced, meetings will be held in the John H. Winters building, Public Hearing Room, at 701 West 51st Street, Austin, Texas.

  • February 7, 2024 (9 a.m.)
  • May 1, 2024 (9 a.m.)
  • August 7, 2024 (9 a.m.)
  • November 6, 2024 (9 a.m.)

For More Information

Email Aging Texas Well.