Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Association of Business has named Kelly Keel its next president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 2, 2026, bringing a veteran state government and regulatory leader to the organization that represents employers at the Texas Capitol.
Keel currently serves as executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, where she has led the agency since December 2023. She brings 25 years of experience at TCEQ, including work involving environmental regulation, infrastructure, water, air quality, and permitting.
“There is no better time to be leading the most dynamic and important business community in the country,” Keel said. “Texas employers are the driving force behind the world’s 8th largest economy, and deserve a strong, unified voice at the Capitol that can navigate the complex legislative and regulatory challenges our businesses face as Texas continues our unprecedented population and economic growth.”
Keel said she looks forward to representing Texas businesses and helping maintain a pro-business environment in the state.
Jo Betsy Norton, chair of the TAB Board of Directors, said Keel’s knowledge of state government and experience working with employers will be important as the organization addresses infrastructure, workforce and education needs.
“Kelly knows how Texas works, and she knows what it takes to keep Texas working for job creators,” Norton said.
As TCEQ executive director, Keel manages the agency’s daily operations, including approximately 3,200 employees, 16 regional offices and an annual budget of about $665 million.
Keel began her TCEQ career in 2001 in the Office of Air. She became the first director of the Water Quality Planning Division in 2008 and later served as area director for Coastal and East Texas in the Office of Compliance and Enforcement. In that position, she oversaw regional offices in Houston, Beaumont, Corpus Christi and Tyler and participated in the agency’s response to major events, including Hurricane Harvey.
Before becoming executive director, Keel headed TCEQ’s Office of Administrative Services, overseeing budget, finance, information technology and human resources.
Throughout her state career, Keel has worked with members of the Texas Legislature, statewide officials and employers across major Texas industries on regulatory and infrastructure issues.
A native Texan, Keel earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Texas A&M University and a Master of Public Service and Administration from the Bush School at Texas A&M. She lives in Austin with her family.
