He remains deeply connected to his roots and envisions continuing his commitment to public service, focusing on advancing agriculture and addressing criminal justice issues.
AUSTIN, TX, November 26, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ — Terry Keel has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Keel has dedicated over four decades to public service, demonstrating a profound commitment to his community and the state of Texas. As the deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner for administration at the Texas Department of Agriculture since 2015, he oversees the daily operations of all programs, facilities, workforce and budget. Mr. Keel’s leadership in this role is informed by a rich history of public service roles that have shaped his expertise in legislative procedures and law enforcement.
Before his current position, Mr. Keel served as the executive director of the Texas Facilities Commission from 2009 to 2015, where he managed state facilities and infrastructure projects. Between 2007 and 2009, he was the parliamentarian for the Texas House of Representatives under the Texas Legislative Council, guiding legislative procedures. His political career previously included a decade-long tenure as a state representative for District 47 in Austin, Texas, from 1997 to 2007.
Mr. Keel’s career in law enforcement began as an assistant district attorney in Brazos County from 1983 to 1984 before moving to Travis County, where he served until 1992. He then became the first Republican elected sheriff of Travis County, serving from 1992 to 1996. Mr. Keel also served as an appointed special prosecutor before the Hays County grand jury between 1999 and 2000. Apart from these roles, he contributed as an instructor at the Austin Police Department Training Academy from 1990 to 2005.
In preparation for his career, Mr. Keel received an Associate of Arts in foreign language from Austin Community College in 1980, a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Texas and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston. He was admitted to practice by the Texas Bar Association, the Supreme Court of Texas, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas and the Supreme Court of the United States. Moreover, Mr. Keel received master peace officer certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Mr. Keel’s civic involvement is extensive, having served on various advisory boards and councils, such as the advisory board for the school of behavioral and social sciences at Saint Edwards University and the advisory committee for the Crime Victim’s Institute. He is also an honorary member of the Austin Police Retired Officers Association and the Austin Police Association. A well-written writer, Mr. Keel has authored several publications on criminal law changes and procedures, contributing valuable insights to legal professionals.
In recognition of his dedication to pro bono work, Mr. Keel has been recognized by Pro Bono College through the State Bar of Texas. During his tenure as a state representative, he was recognized with several awards, including the Legislator of the Year Award from the Texas State Rifle Association. Among other honors, Mr. Keel was decorated with a Law Enforcement Commendation Medal from the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. He remains deeply connected to his roots and envisions continuing his commitment to public service, focusing on advancing agriculture and addressing criminal justice issues.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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