Governor Greg Abbott has announced the appointment of four individuals to the Business Advisory Council for the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Aaron Negherbon and Patricia Rigney have been appointed for terms ending on February 1, 2025. Matthew Powell and Michael Matthews will serve until February 1, 2026, and February 1, 2027, respectively. The Council's role is to provide guidance to state and local governments on supporting business recovery post-disaster.
Aaron Negherbon from McKinney is the CEO of non-profits Troops Direct and Cops Direct. He also serves as a board member for the Stonebridge Ranch Country Club Charity Classic. Negherbon holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business.
Patricia Rigney from Edinburg owns Rigney Law Firm and acts as city attorney for Mission. Her legal career spans nearly two decades with roles such as staff attorney at the Thirteenth Court of Appeals and assistant United States attorney for the Department of Justice. She is involved with several professional associations including being vice president of the Texas City Attorneys Association-Rio Grande Valley Chapter. Rigney earned her Bachelor of Arts from UT Pan American and her Juris Doctor from UT School of Law.
Matthew Powell from Cedar Park leads Powell Strategic Communications and Powell Municipal/Economic Development. He has extensive experience in public service having served on Cedar Park City Council, including three terms as Mayor. He engages actively with local economic development organizations and holds degrees in English, Political Science, Business Administration, along with a professional designation through the Community Development Institute.
Colonel Michael Matthews (Ret.) based in New Braunfels heads Patriotic Holdings, LLC following a federal service career spanning thirty years. His executive roles have included leading Boeing’s expansion at Port San Antonio. Matthews has authored publications on leadership while teaching at University-level institutions like the University of Oklahoma. His educational background includes multiple advanced degrees related to military service and leadership.
The appointments underscore Governor Abbott's focus on leveraging diverse expertise to enhance disaster recovery efforts across Texas.
