GBRA Board Receives New Presiding Officer, Three Members Reappointed

SEGUIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed three directors to the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Board (GBRA).

Additionally, the Governor has designated Dennis L. Patillo as the presiding officer, as required by GBRA’s enabling legislation. Governor Abbott made the announcement on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020.

Vice-Chair Don Meador of Hays County, Director William Carbonara of DeWitt County, and Director Steve Ehrig of Gonzales County were reappointed to serve on the GBRA board until 2025.

“As a regional leader in providing water and wastewater services, GBRA is prepared to meet the needs and challenges of the growing population of the Guadalupe River Basin,” said GBRA Board Chairman Dennis L. Patillo. “I am pleased Directors Meador, Carbonara and Ehrig have been reappointed. I look forward to our continued work together by supporting the needs of a growing population, economy, and healthy environment through responsible watershed protection and stewardship.”

Dennis L. Patillo of Victoria (Victoria County) is president of Stewart Title of the Coastal Bend Inc. providing title services in Victoria, DeWitt, Calhoun, Wharton, Goliad, Uvalde, and Real Counties. He is also president of Evangelynn Hospitality LLC. Mr. Patillo is the past chair of the Victoria Economic Development Corporation, the Houston Association of Realtors, and the Texas Association of Realtors. He has served on a number of boards and commissions including the Texas Tax Reform Commission, the University of Houston Commission on Downward Expansion, the Victoria County Airport Commission, and DeTar Healthcare Board of Trustees. Mr. Patillo received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston. He was first appointed to the GBRA board in 2011.

Don Meador of San Marcos (Hays County) is a retired rancher and registered engineer with Procter & Gamble Company and represents Hays County. Mr. Meador is the joint owner of Dreamcatcher Ranch at the headwaters of the San Marcos River. The ranch is protected in a conservation easement to safeguard the watershed for perpetuity. He also is past president of the Hays County Farm Bureau, past board vice-chair of the Hays County Water Conservation District, and a former commissioner of the City of Coppell Planning and Zoning Commission. A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Meador received a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Oklahoma State University. He was first appointed to the GBRA board in 2013.

William Carbonara of Cuero (DeWitt County) is vice president of RNC Insurance Agency. His professional memberships include being a Certified Insurance Counselor and the Rotary Club. He is a part of the Cuero Chamber of Commerce where he has served as treasurer. Previously, he served on the Boys and Girls Club of DeWitt County Board and the Cuero Development Corporation. He is a volunteer coach for his children’s sports activities such as baseball, basketball, soccer, and football. Carbonara earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word. He was first appointed to the GBRA board in 2013.

Steve Ehrig of Gonzales (Gonzales County), is owner and partner of Ehrig Brothers Ag, E Barr Feeds, and E Brothers Ranches, and represents Gonzales County. He is a member of the Gonzales County Young Farmers, a director with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and past president of the Texas Young Farmers. He is also a member of the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership Program, Gonzales County Agents’ Advisory Board, Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, and Texas & Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, and a past board member of the Gonzales County Underground Water Conservation District. He was first appointed to the GBRA board to fill an unexpired term in 2018.

The Texas Constitution requires the Texas Senate to confirm gubernatorial appointments during the next legislative session, which convenes in January 2021. Appointed directors are volunteers who provide policy development and leadership for the river authority.