INVEST TEXAS COUNCIL ANNOUNCES NEW ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
AUSTIN, TEXAS— Today, the Invest Texas Council (ITC) announced the addition of four members to its Advisory Board all of whom have made a significant impact in public service. ITC is a policy-oriented collaborative focused on advocating for public-private partnerships across all sectors of the Texas economy.
“The Invest Texas Council is a strong voice for utilizing private investment to build and operate the growing list of highway, water and other critical infrastructure projects needed to support the state’s economic future and help keep the tax burden low in our great state,” said former State Representative Ron Simmons, who serves as Chairman of ITC.
Simmons added: “We are pleased to expand our Advisory Board to include such accomplished individuals who all believe that private investment and innovation will allow Texas to keep pace with our future infrastructure needs.”
The most recent additions to the Invest Texas Council Advisory Board are:
Deirdre Delisi – Deirdre served as Chair of the Texas Transportation Commission from 2008 – 2011. Previously, she served as an advisor to Governor Rick Perry for over a decade, including as Chief of Staff. Today, she is a partner in Delisi Communications.
Dr. Carlos Marin – Carlos is a licensed engineer and Principal-In-Charge for Ambiotec Group, Inc., which is one of the largest, locally-owned engineering firms in the Rio Grande Valley. Through his work, Carlos has been responsible for numerous infrastructure projects for the World Bank and the governments of Venezuela, Mexico, Cyprus and Portugal.
Barry Smitherman – Barry is former member of the Texas Railroad Commission and Public Utility Commission of Texas. Prior to beginning public service, Barry spent 16 years as a public finance investment banker. Barry presently serves on the Board of Directors of Centerpoint Energy, and of Centric Infrastructure Group.
Jere Thompson, Jr. – Jere is a former Chairman and a member of the North Texas Tollway Authority for more than a decade. He cofounded Ambit Energy in 2006. Prior to starting Ambit, Mr. Thompson was the founder of Caprock Fiber Networks.
Fred Underwood – Fred is a former Texas Transportation Commissioner, serving from 2007 – 2015. He is also a former board member of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. Currently Fred serves as CEO of The Trinity Company, which manages cotton warehouse facilities across the South Plains.