Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Ronald “Ronnie” Anderson of Mont Belvieu and Gary Renola of Seabrook to the San Jacinto River Authority Board of Directors and reappointed Fred Koetting of The Woodlands. Renola’s term on the board expired Oct. 16, 2017, while the terms for Anderson and Koetting expire Oct. 16, 2021.

Nikki Cobb is leaving the office of state Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, for a spot on the staff of House Speaker Joe Straus where she will serve as senior business and regulatory affairs adviser. Otto, the House’s chief budget writer, announced last year that he would not run for re-election.

Mark Loeffler has been hired as the new communications director for the Texas Department of Agriculture, replacing Lucy Nashed. He previously served as communications director for former General Land Office commissioner Jerry Patterson.

Texas A&M University System regents announced last week the appointment of three interim presidents for a trio of system campuses: Ray M. Keck (Texas A&M University-Commerce), Pablo Arenas (Texas A&M International University) and James Hallmark (West Texas A&M University).

Texas A&M system regents also approved last week a promotion for Laylan Copelin to vice chancellor for marketing and communications. He previously served as the system’s executive director of media relations.

Disclosure: The Texas General Land Office, the Texas A&M University System and Jerry Patterson have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.