AUSTIN, TX – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe as chair of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, which oversees the care and treatment of county prisoners and the construction and operation of county jails.
In addition to Rowe’s appointment, Abbott also named Joe Fauth of Plantersville and Richard Kirkpatrick of Kingsville to the commission for terms ending January 31, 2031, and January 31, 2027, respectively. Patricia M. Anthony of Garland and Monica McBride of Alpine were reappointed for terms expiring January 31, 2031.
Rowe, with over three decades in law enforcement, previously served as president of both the Sheriff’s Association of Texas and the Texas Jail Association. He also serves on multiple public safety boards and is a military veteran.
Fauth currently serves as Grimes County Judge and holds leadership roles in several regional and national governmental organizations.
Kirkpatrick, the sheriff of Kleberg County, brings 19 years of law enforcement experience, including specialized narcotics work and training in criminal interdiction.
Anthony, a retired federal Bureau of Prisons employee, has extensive experience in criminal justice and civic engagement, while McBride is a business owner with board experience in real estate and shooting sports advocacy.
The Commission on Jail Standards sets minimum standards for Texas county jails and ensures compliance across the state.
