(Austin, Texas - Monday, December 5, 2016) - Governor Greg Abbott today announced the appointment of Rolando Pablos as Texas Secretary of State, effective January 5, 2017. The appointment follows the departure of current Secretary of State Carlos Cascos, whose last day will be January 4, 2017.

"Rolando's extensive record in public service and breadth of knowledge inspires confidence that he will be committed to the constitutional duties of the office and ensure the dispassionate application of election law," said Governor Abbott. "Rolando's impressive background and diverse experience make him uniquely qualified to serve our increasingly dynamic state and further fortify our international partnerships."

Governor Abbott also thanked outgoing Secretary Cascos, saying, "I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Secretary Cascos for his service and dedication to the people of Texas, and for strengthening our partnerships across the globe."

"The Secretary of State is trusted with the solemn duties of protecting the integrity of our election system and promoting Texas’ unparalleled business environment at home and abroad," said Rolando Pablos. "I am humbled and honored that Governor Abbott has placed confidence in me to faithfully execute those duties. I look forward to serving on behalf of all Texas communities and demonstrating my unwavering dedication to the responsibilities of the office."

In accepting this position, Pablos will vacate his current appointment as Chair of the Texas Racing Commission.

Rolando Pablos is co-founder and CEO of Uriel Americas. Most recently, he served as CEO of the Borderplex Alliance, a bi-national economic development organization based on the US-Mexico border.

A former utility regulator, Mr. Pablos is an economic development expert who understands the importance of leveraging strategic community capacity building for purposes of attracting investment to Texas. As a state official and in his private practice, he has played critical roles in the advancement of international trade with Texas, especially through his advocacy for cross-border collaboration between the US and Mexico. Mr. Pablos has also served as Honorary Consul to Spain, where he worked to ensure the formation and development of business and diplomatic relationships between Texas and Spain.

Mr. Pablos is a licensed attorney who most recently served as commissioner on two state regulatory agencies: the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Racing Commission.

After obtaining a BA from St. Mary's University, Mr. Pablos earned an MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonio College of Business, and an MHM the University of Houston's Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management. Subsequently, Mr. Pablos earned a JD from St. Mary's University School of Law.  He has been a member of the State Bar of Texas since 2000.