The Houston-Galveston Area Council, or H-GAC, named new officers to its board of directors.

H-GAC at its June 21 board meeting named Friendswood City Council Member Sally Branson as the new chair of the board. Additionally, Waller County Judge Trey Duhon was named as chair elect, and Huntsville ISD Trustee Rissie Owens will be the new vice chair of the board.

As chair, Branson will govern the monthly board meetings that revolve around regional planning items and convene advisory committees to promote the sustainable growth of the 13-county region and the quality of life of its more than 7 million residents.

According to the news release, Branson and the new officers were chosen following the resignation of William King III and the death of Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark.

Branson had served on the board since 2017 and was originally elected as vice chair at the beginning of 2022, according to the release. She serves on three of H-GAC’s board committees, including the finance and budget committee, audit committee and the planning committee.


The H-GAC is a voluntary association of local governments and local elected officials from the 13-county Gulf Coast planning region across the Greater Houston area.

713-627-3200. www.h-gac.com