These four leadership schemes simplify sometimes-complex agency leadership organization in Texas. Only a few agencies fill top
leadership positions through the electoral process. The Governor with
the advice and consent of the Texas Senate appoints the leaders of most
agencies. In rare cases the Governor chooses indirectly from someone
else's list. For example, the Governor appoints the Fire Fighters
Pension Commissioner, with Senate consent, from a list of three to ten
nominees submitted by the State Firemen's Association of Texas and the
Texas State Association of Fire Fighters. Somewhat differently, the
Governor appoints the Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner and
members of various boards, committees, commissions, and councils under
the HHS umbrella, but the Commissioner in turn appoints deputy
commissioners to head major departments.
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