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.)