Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Pipa McCollister, Seth Wells, former State Representative Cindy Burkett, and reappointed Michael Garrett, and David Lunt for terms set to expire on October 24, 2027. The Council develops the state plan for Independent Living and serves as a resource to state and local organizations on Independent Living and related issues for persons with disabilities.
Pipa McCollister of Cleburne is an administrative assistant with the nonprofit The Self Determination Group. Previously, she served as a teacher at Vista Academy of Crockett and as a caretaker at the Company of Rock House. McCollister received an Associates of Arts from Tarrant County College and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Seth Wells of Beaumont is the executive director of the RISE Center for Independent Living. He is the vice president of the TEXCIL Association of Centers for Independent Living, Commander of American Legion Post 33, president of the Beaumont Children’s Museum, Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 122, and a member of the Sallie Curtis Elementary Parent Teachers Association. Wells received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from McMurry University and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration from Lamar University.
Cindy Burkett of Seagoville was first elected in 2010 to represent House District 101 and represented House District 113 from 2013 to 2019. During her tenure in the House, her committee assignments included chair of Redistricting, Appropriations, Transportation, Public Health, Investment and Financial Services, Elections, Criminal Jurisprudence, Select Committee on Federalism and Fiscal Responsibility, Local and Consent Calendars, and the Sunset Commission. She is a member of the Metro Tex Association of Realtors and various local chambers of commerce in Mesquite, Rowlett, Kaufman, and Terrell. Additionally, Burkett is a former member of the North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors. Burkett received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The University of Texas (UT) at Arlington.
Michael Garrett of Missouri City is a retired senior equities analyst for JP Morgan Chase. He is the former first vice president and current representative on the American Council of the Blind of Texas Board of Directors, board chairman of the American Council of the Blind Thrift Store, and board president of the Houston Center for Independent Living. He is president of the Greater Houston Beep Baseball Association, secretary of the Houston Council of the Blind, and an associate minister and disabilities ministry leader at New Faith Church. Additionally, he is a former member of Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Governing Board. Garrett received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from UT Austin.
David Lunt of Haslet is senior manager of supplier diversity at Fidelity Investments, LLC. He is an advocate for the Disability community and volunteers with several related organizations. He is board president of REACH and a former board member of Disability:IN North Texas, and the Fort Worth Mayor’s Committee on Persons with Disabilities.