(Austin, Texas - November 5, 2010) - Charla Ann King, Executive Director of the Texas Racing Commission, has announced her retirement. Ms. King’s last day with the Commission will be November 30, 2010.

Ms. King had been considering retirement for some time. Members of the Commission asked Ms. King to consider remaining Director through the upcoming legislative session. However, concerns about potential changes to the state employee retirement system and family considerations prompted the move now.

Ms. King said, “I’ve spent 30 years in state government. I believe I’ve made a positive contribution to the development of sound and effective policy, particularly during my tenure working with the legislature while at the Sunset Advisory Commission.

“It has been my honor and privilege to work at the Texas Racing Commission. It is equally humbling to have had the opportunity to serve the people of Texas in various capacities for so many years. At the Racing Commission, I have worked alongside amazingly talented, intelligent people both on the board and on staff. But the time has come to go. My husband is a retired veteran. As much as I will miss the work, I’m equally excited about the prospect of being retired together.”

Ms. King’s 30-year career includes stints as the Senior Policy Advisor for the Employer Commissioner at the Texas Workforce Commission and as Public Services Division Director for the State Bar of Texas. Ms. King served 12 years at the Sunset Advisory Commission, rising to the level of Policy Director. Ms. King also taught in the College of Communication at the University of Texas-Austin and helped establish the Cactus Café as a live music venue.

Ms. King’s final Commission meeting will be on November 15, 2010.