Comptroller Appoints Key Member of Agency to State Water Post

(AUSTIN) — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar today announced his appointment of Lisa Craven, the Comptroller’s Chief of Staff, to the State Water Implementation Fund’s (SWIFT) advisory committee.

“Lisa has a strong background on issues relating to water, environmental regulation, rural development and agriculture,” Hegar said. “During my tenure as vice-chairman and chairman of the Sunset Advisory Commission, she spent significant time working on issues relating to the state’s environmental agencies, which were under review. She provides a historical perspective on water issues, having served as legislative staff during consideration of key water legislation.”

The committee will oversee $2 billion in investments and spending by the Texas Water Development Board. In November 2013, Texas voters approved the transfer of these funds from the state’s Economic Stabilization Fund to SWIFT. The constitutional amendment, known as Proposition 6, helps Texas finance projects in the state water plan.

Under state law, Hegar is authorized to designate a person to serve on the committee. The committee is also made up of three state senators and three state representatives.

“I’m honored Comptroller Hegar has chosen me to serve on this important advisory committee,” Craven said. “Water issues are a major concern facing Texans, and I look forward to working with the other members of the SWIFT advisory committee to ensure those issues are addressed efficiently, and with accountability and transparency.”

Craven has over 26 years of state service, having worked in both the Texas Senate and House of Representatives. She served as chief of staff for then-Senator Hegar from 2007-2014, worked in the House of Representatives from 1989-2007 and began her career as a Capitol tour guide in 1986. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, with a degree in speech. Craven and her husband, Eric, are the parents of two daughters, Caroline and Elizabeth.