AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Jim Bruseth, Ph.D. and Renee Dutia to the Texas Historical Commission for terms set to expire on February 1, 2019. In addition, the Governor has appointed Lilia Garcia and David Gravelle for terms set to expire on February 1, 2021, and Garrett Donnelly and Laurie Limbacher for terms set to expire on February 1, 2023. The commission provides leadership and coordinates services to support projects commissioned by county historical commissions, historical societies, agencies and institutions interested in the preservation of archeological and historical heritage. The commission also acts as a clearinghouse and historical information center.
Jim Bruseth, Ph.D. of Austin is an independent archaeological consultant and the author of several books and articles on Texas archaeology. He is a member and former treasurer of the Society for American Archaeology and a member of the Society for Historical Archaeology, Register of Professional Archaeologists, and the Texas Archaeological Society. In addition, he is a board member of the Summerlee Foundation. Bruseth received a Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of New Orleans and a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in archaeology from Southern Methodist University.
Renee Dutia of Dallas is president of Regali Inc., which includes a portfolio of airport concessions and a branded uniforms company. She serves on the Dallas Fort Worth Asian American Citizens Council Board and is the founder of Asian 100. She is an active member of the American Association of Airport Executives, Airport Council International, Airport Revenue News, and Visit Dallas. Dutia received a liberal arts degree from Bombay University. She is also a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and received executive MBA training from the Tuck School at Dartmouth.
Lilia Garcia of Raymondville is an adjunct lecturer of history at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, with a focus on cultural history. In addition, she was formerly on the faculty at Saint Joseph’s Academy in Brownsville. She is a member of the Museum of South Texas, Brownsville Historical Association, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. Garcia received a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Ibero-American studies and a Master of Arts in history from Southern Methodist University. Garcia attended Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London, England, where she did post graduate work in art and art history.
David Gravelle of Dallas is a branding/marketing consultant. He is a member of the Dallas Friday Group and Town and Grown. He is a former member of the Texas State Historical Association, Dallas Assembly, and the Dallas Museum of Natural History. Gravelle received a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University.
Garrett Donnelly of Midland is the vice president for The Eastland Oil Company. He is a member of the Permian Basin Landman’s Association, American Association of Petroleum Landmen, and the Permian Basin Producers Associate. He is also chairman of the Texas Tech University Health Science Permian Basin Advisory Board. Donnelly received a Bachelor of Business Administration in management information studies from Texas Tech University.
Laurie Limbacher of Austin is president and principal at Limbacher & Godfrey Architects. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects, Texas Society of Architects, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Society of Architectural Historians, Association for Preservation Technology, and the Austin American Institute of Architects. Limbacher received a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University.