Gov. Abbott appoints Robert Eckels to chair Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed veteran public servant, attorney, and business leader Robert Eckels as chair of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, the state agency that regulates all aspects of the alcoholic beverage industry in Texas.
Eckels previously served the people of Texas for six terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1983 to 1995 and led the state’s largest county as county judge of Harris County from 1995-2007. He is currently an attorney of counsel to the law firm of Husch Blackwell LLP and general counsel for Greffex, Inc.
“TABC is honored to welcome Chairman Eckels to the Commission,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “We look forward to his leadership, as well as working with him to ensure TABC continues to operate efficiently, enforce the law fairly, and maintain safe communities for all Texans.”
TABC has 625 authorized positions — including 230 peace officer roles spread across 24 Texas offices, as well as employees stationed at 28 ports of entry along the Texas-Mexico border. The agency regulates more than 68,000 licenses and permits held by alcohol manufacturers, distributors, and retailers; oversees the sale of about 760 million gallons of alcohol each year; and collects about $370 million in revenue for the state annually.
In addition to his previous experience as county judge and as a member of the Texas Legislature, Eckels has served on advisory committees to former President George W. Bush and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He’s a member of the state bars of Texas, New York, Colorado, and the District of Columbia, as well as a certified fraud examiner and leadership fellow for the National Association of Corporate Directors. He previously served as chair of the Texas County and District Retirement System, president of the Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association, and a board member of the Texas Association of Counties. He also served as a board member of the National Association of Counties, where he chaired multiple committees. Eckels holds a Bachelor of Science in Technology from the University of Houston and a Juris Doctor from the South Texas College of Law.
Eckels succeeds former TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly, who left the commission to serve in the U.S. Department of the Interior. Eckels’ term with TABC is set to expire Nov. 15, 2027.
Media Contact:
Chris Porter
TABC Director of Communications