Larry Miles of Amarillo was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice for a term to expire Feb.1, 2017.

Cindy Ermatinger of Midlothian was named by Perry as judge of the 443rd Judicial District Court in Ellis County effective Sept. 2, 2014, for a term to expire at the next general election.

Carlos Amaral of Plano was named by Perry to the Texas Judicial Council for a term to expire June 30, 2017.

David Russell of Dripping Springs was named by Perry to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for a term to expire Nov. 19, 2019.

Michael Arambula of San Antonio was named by Perry to be chairman of the Texas Medical Board for a term to expire at the pleasure of the governor. John Guerra of Mission also received an appointment to the board for a term to expire April 13, 2017.

Randy Sweeten of McAllen was named by Perry as presiding officer of the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2016.

Chris Kirby has hired on as chief of staff for state Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin. He was previously the legislative director for state Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton.

Donnis Baggett, the executive vice president of the Texas Press Association, is the 2014 recipient of the James Madison Award, presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. Baggett focuses on open records and meetings as part of his job leading the TPA's governmental affairs program.