The Texas Senate has confirmed three new board members to the Department of Information Resources (DIR). By a vote of 31-0 on Wednesday, Frank Coppersmith, Keith Halman, and Catherine Bellah were approved for the Board of Directors, following a prior 7-0 vote by the Senate Committee on Nominations.

Governor Greg Abbott had appointed these individuals in recent months. "DIR's enabling statute requires the Senate to render its advice and consent over these appointees," noted the press release regarding the statutory requirement for confirmation.

Frank Coppersmith testified before the Senate Committee on Nominations earlier on March 31, advocating for his nomination. "Thank you so much for this really terrific opportunity to come speak with you today and this really significant personal honor to be allowed to serve on the Board of the Department of Information Resources," Coppersmith expressed after his credentials and application were praised by Chair Donna Campbell.

Coppersmith, along with Bellah, both come from private sector backgrounds. Coppersmith runs Smarter Reality, a software development company specializing in customized applications, such as training and simulation software. Catherine Bellah leads Plumaven, which offers consulting services for addressing operational and strategic issues. Meanwhile, Keith Halman serves as Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer for the Texas Tech University System and boasts 29 years of experience in the information technology sector.

The confirmed board members contribute diverse expertise including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, technology, policy, and IT management, rounding out DIR’s governance. DIR's Board consists of ten members, seven appointed by the governor for staggered six-year terms and three ex-officio members who follow a designated rotation as per its enabling statute.