Title: Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner for Administration
Company: Texas Department of Agriculture
Location: Austin, Texas, United States
Terry Keel, deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner for administration at Texas Department of Agriculture, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Lawyers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in public service.
With over four decades of experience, Mr. Keel has established a distinguished career in public service and law, specializing in criminal law, courtroom and appellate litigation, legislative processes, and law enforcement instruction. He currently serves as deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner for administration at the Texas Department of Agriculture, roles he has held since 2015. Earlier in his career, he served as an assistant district attorney in Travis County from 1984 to 1992 and in Brazos County from 1983 to 1984, where he honed his skills as a courtroom advocate and appellate litigator. From 1999 to 2000, he was appointed special prosecutor before the Hays County grand jury, further demonstrating his legal acumen. As a state representative for District 47 in the Texas House of Representatives from 1997 to 2007, he combined his legal expertise with legislative service, shaping criminal law and judicial policies. His experience includes serving as parliamentarian for the Texas House of Representatives through the Texas Legislative Council from 2007 to 2009 and as executive director of the Texas Facilities Commission from 2009 to 2015. Additionally, as sheriff of Travis County from 1992 to 1996, he gained hands-on experience in law enforcement administration and policy.
Mr. Keel has been actively involved in advisory roles, including serving on the St. Edward’s University School of Behavioral and Social Sciences Advisory Board and the Advisory Council of the Crime Victim’s Institute. Laying an educational foundation, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Texas in 1980 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston in 1983. He is admitted to the Supreme Court of Texas, the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Reflecting on his path, he has made significant contributions to the legal field, authoring works on criminal law changes to the Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure. He is an honorary member of the Austin Police Retired Officers Association and the Austin Police Association. His accolades include the Travis County Sheriffs Law Enforcement Association President’s Award, the Texas District and County Attorneys Association Law and Order Award, and the Texas Municipal Police Association Legislative Excellence Award. Looking to the future, he remains committed to public service, focusing on advancing criminal justice initiatives and improving legal systems.
For more information, please visit:
Texas Department of Agriculture
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