06.03.09
Gov. Perry taps another developer to head the CTRMA
No big surprise here that Gov. Rick Perry has picked real estate developer Ray Wilkerson to replace real estate developer Bob Tesch as Chair of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s (CTRMA) Board of Directors. Via the ABJ:
Gov. Rick Perry has appointed local real estate professional Ray Wilkerson as chairman of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.
Wilkerson, the president and CEO of real estate investment firm Ray Wikerson Cos., will replace current CTRMA Chairman Bob Tesch who is not seeking reappointment.
More about Wilkerson from his his corporations profile page:
Ray A. Wilkerson is the president and CEO of Ray Wilkerson Companies Inc. Mr. Wilkerson began his real estate career approximately 30 years ago in the development of residential subdivisions in Travis County, Texas. Subsequent events led to involvement in the commercial sector with investment and development in numerous successful ventures. In addition to being involved in real property development Mr. Wilkerson has been involved in the analysis, investment and management of a variety of other businesses including daycare, hotel and restaurant operations. As evidence of his considerable experience, Mr. Wilkerson has been asked to testify as an expert witness on numerous occasions and to speak for several national associations. He has been a regular speaker at the University of Texas Graduate School of Business. With the knowledge acquired through the variety of his business experience Mr. Wilkerson is eminently qualified to evaluate the economics of real property assets.
Mr. Wilkerson is a board member of Stewart Title of Austin, Colorado River Foundation Tributary League Endowment, and a founder and board member of the Heartgift Foundation. He is also vice chancellor of Knights of the Symphony and life member of the Austin Travis County Livestock Show. Wilkerson served as a member and Vice Chairman of the Texas Rehabilitation Commission from 1988-2001. Wilkerson is also former chairman of the Lower Colorado River Authority and was honored by the LCRA through the dedication of the Wilkerson Center for Colorado River Education in January 2009. In May of 2009, Mr. Wilkerson was appointed Gov. Rick Perry as presiding officer of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2011.
It’s interesting that the two board chairs of the CTRMA have been real estate developers. I guess they have a special talent for designing and building highways.
gregry17 said,
June 12, 2009 at 6:52 am
More so than, let’s say, engineers or social workers. Highway development requires someone dealing with land acquisition primarily; communicating offers, pricing land, negotiating contracts. The actual building of the road is left to the engineers. I think Perry is right on target with this. Better for Satan to lead a clan of demons than St. Michael.
The CTRMA is the essence of real estate development. Wilkerson just landed a dream job…..watch how much money he and his friends are about to pour into Republican coffers.
wcnews' said,
June 12, 2009 at 7:46 am
If he’s competent and not going to feather his or his friend’s nests then there’s less of a problem with this.
But you hit the central problem with the CTRMA. It’s supposed to be about “mobility” not real estate development.