In anticipation of my official term ending in late January 2025, I wanted to take a moment to reflect and give thanks to all who have made my five years as Board Chair one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

In 2019 when I was appointed, it came sort of as a surprise to me, but being a fourth-generation Texan and a second-generation appraiser, it made perfect sense. I have been honored to serve both my state and my community.

Just before my appointment, the agency had just been through a tough Sunset review. With the Sunset Commission setting our expiration at six years instead of the usual 12, I knew I had my work cut out for me. While the average license holder, and the average Texan, might not know about the extensive work the Board has done to earn an extended expiration to 2033, what I hope is that to them it just feels like this is a different agency than it was five and a half years ago. If we've done that, then I think that I have accomplished what I set out to do.

I would like to thank Governor Greg Abbott for the confidence in asking me to serve and the opportunity to do so. I would also like to thank his staff who answered my many, many questions along the way.

I want to thank Texas Real Estate Commission Chair Scott Kesner and the entire Commission. I appreciate all the collaboration and support over the years.

I would like to thank all of the Board members who have been my partners in this endeavor over the last five years. Thank you for your willingness to volunteer your time to serve the state of Texas and our license holders. I appreciate your efforts to explore solutions, to fight for your convictions, and to compromise when necessary.

When TALCB Executive Director Chelsea Buchholtz came on board in early 2020, I promised that if we could trust each other and jump right into the necessary hard work, we would be sailing into smoother waters in no time. She was eager to do that, and then COVID hit. But, under her dedicated and consistent leadership, we still managed to get through it all. None of our accomplishments would have been possible without that enduring willingness and leading from a place of “yes.”

To the entire agency staff, I appreciate each of you being willing to work hard with me and I hope you are proud of the results. Home ownership and starting a business are cornerstones to the American dream. We are part of that, and when we do it well it is something to be proud of.

I am enormously proud of this board, and I know we are poised for great things ahead. It’s time for fresh ideas and energy. I will be an empty nester soon, so for me, it’s time to observe from a different vantage point.

Watch the below video recording of part of this speech by Chair Oates at the Board meeting on November 15, 2024.