Rich Parsons Joins Railroad Commission as Communications Director

AUSTIN—Railroad Commission names Rich Parsons communications director effective today.

Parsons comes to the Railroad Commission from Gov. Rick Perry’s office, where he has served as Deputy Director of Communications since March 2013. Before joining the Governor’s Office, Parsons served as Director of Communications for the Texas Secretary of State; Vice President for Public Affairs for Hahn Public Communications; and Press Secretary and Senior Advisor for the Lt. Governor. Previous to his state government employment, Parsons worked as a broadcast journalist for Austin’s KXAN NBC affiliate from May 1998 to September 2006.

Chairman Christi Craddick said, “I am excited to have Rich join our communications team and welcome his many years of experience to help us continue to tell our great success story of  the Railroad Commission and Texas oil and gas regulation.”  

Commissioner David Porter said, “In this historic time for oil and gas production, it is more important now than ever to make sure the public has accurate information about the energy renaissance in Texas and the hard work of the Texas Railroad Commission.  Rich is a welcome and important addition to this agency, and I look forward to working with him.”

Commissioner Barry Smitherman said, “With his extensive background in not only state government communications, but also broadcast journalism, I am confident that Rich can help our media team continue to clearly communicate with reporters and help educate the public about our important regulatory activities.”

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