AUSTIN – Texas House Speaker Joe Straus on Thursday appointed Austin attorney Randy Erben to the Texas Ethics Commission.

Erben will replace Chase Untermeyer, whose term has expired. The Speaker of the House is required by the Texas Constitution to appoint two of the eight members of the Ethics Commission, with one coming from each party. The Constitution further specifies that one commissioner must be recommended by the Republican members of the House, and one commissioner must be recommended by the Democratic members.

Erben is a founding partner of the law firm Erben & Yarbrough. He is now of counsel at the firm and is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Texas School of Law. He also has an extensive background in public service. He is a former Legislative Director to Governor Greg Abbott and the longtime General Counsel for Texans for Rick Perry. He has also served as Director of the state’s Office of State-Federal Relations, and in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Erben received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.

“Randy has a long track record of service to our state and country, and he has repeatedly distinguished himself,” said Speaker Straus. “His experience, judgment and character make him well-suited for the very important work of the Texas Ethics Commission.”

Speaker Straus’ other appointee to the Commission, former Rep. Steve Wolens of Dallas, was appointed in September 2016 to a term expiring November 2019. Wolens serves as the current Chair of the Commission.

Erben’s term will expire in November of 2021.

Source: Texas House of Representatives press release