The Texas Ethics Commission has eight commissioners. Four of the commissioners are appointed by the Governor, two are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, and two are appointed by the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. Members of the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives who represent each political party submit lists of nominees to the appropriate state official for appointment. The commissioners serve four-year terms.
Term Ends: 11/19/2025 Appointed by: Speaker
Chris Flood of Houston is a criminal defense attorney in the firm of Flood & Flood. He started his legal career interning with the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. during the Reagan administration. Flood then spent two years as a prosecutor with the Harris County Assistant District Attorney’s Office before leaving to work with famed criminal defense attorney Dick DeGuerin.
Two decades ago, he joined his brothers at the firm and has solidified his status as a top defense and trial attorney in white collar and complex litigation. Flood received his B.B.A. from the University of Texas, and his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio.
Patrick W. Mizell Vice Chair Term Ends: 11/19/2021 Appointed by: Governor
Pat Mizell of Houston is a commercial litigation partner at Vinson & Elkins, LLP. From 1995 to 2002, Mizell served as judge of the 129th Judicial District Court in Harris County. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a member of the International Society of Barristers, and the American Board of Trial Advocates. Mizell received his undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University and his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center.
Randall H. Erben Term Ends: 11/19/2025 Appointed by: Speaker
Randall Erben of Austin is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law and Of Counsel with the law firm of Erben & Yarbrough. Erben’s extensive career began with the San Antonio law firm of Foster, Lewis, Langley, Gardner & Banack, Incorporated, where he practiced commercial litigation and public law. After this, he engaged in an impressive public service career which included serving as Texas’ Assistant Secretary of State, as well as Director, State of Texas Office of State-Federal Relations for the Governor, and Acting Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Community Planning and Development. Most recently, Erben served as Legislative Director in the Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. He received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.