Governor Abbott Appoints Three To Governing Board For The Texas School For The Deaf
Txylo.com/10329516

~ In a recent announcement, Governor Greg Abbott has made appointments and reappointments to the Governing Board of the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD). Heather "Hex" Lightfoot, Gregorio Mata, and Oscar Ocuto, Ed.D. have been chosen to serve on the board for terms ending on January 31, 2031.

Lightfoot, a resident of Austin, is a mother of three children - one DeafBlind, one Deaf, and one hearing. She is not only a dedicated mother but also an advocate for the Deaf and DeafBlind community in Texas. Lightfoot currently works as a transition consultant for the Texas Deafblind Project and serves on the Board of Directors for the American Society for Deaf Children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design from Gallaudet University and a Master of Education in special education with a specialization in orientation and mobility from Texas Tech University.

Joining Lightfoot on the board is Gregorio Mata from Edinburg. Mata currently works as an operations and data associate at Activating Change. He is also an active member of the Texas School for the Deaf District Advisory Committee and volunteers as a team lead for the Children's Association for Maximum Potential. Mata holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Gallaudet University and a Master of Public Administration from Lamar University.

More on Txylo.com

• Daily News Wrap-Up: AI, Foreign Policy & more from the Price of Business Network- Jan 23, 2026
• Texas: Governor Abbott Announces Latest Slate Of Appointments
• Kaamos Labs Launches Polaris Focus, a Research-Driven App for Attention and Time
• Financial Literacy Expert Warns:98% of Global Economy Racing Toward Digital Currency While Half the
• PitPat Launches Global 6KM Speed Challenge, Bringing Cyclists Together Worldwide

The third appointee to the board is Oscar Ocuto, Ed.D., who resides in Manchaca. Ocuto is an assistant professor of Education at Gallaudet University and brings with him extensive experience in deaf education. He is also a member of various organizations such as the National Association of the Deaf, American Association of University Professors, and serves on Gallaudet University's Faculty Development Committee. Ocuto holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and English, a Master of Arts in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University, and a Doctorate of Deaf Education from Lamar University.

The Governing Board of the Texas School for the Deaf is responsible for overseeing all services provided by the school, as well as budget preparation, policy adoption, and the appointment of the superintendent. With these new appointments, the board is well-equipped to continue their important work in serving the Deaf community in Texas.

---

Show All News | Report Violation