Governmental Affairs and Communications

Jayaram B. Naidu, M.D., of Odessa, is a physician and president of Naidu Clinic and an assistant clinical professor for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He has been in private practice as an internist for over 40 years. He is a member of the Texas Medical Association, Ector County Medical Society and the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center Advisory Board and a past board member of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he is a former gubernatorial appointee of the Chronic Kidney Disease Task force.

LuAnn Morgan, of Midland, is retired after over 40 years of service in the electric utility industry and volunteering for nonprofits. She began her career with TXU Electric, eventually becoming District Manager serving 11 West Texas Counties. Upon early retirement, she became an adjunct instructor at The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) in Statistics and Marketing, served three terms on Midland City Council, and served as a past gubernatorial appointee of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Robert D. Martinez, M.D., of Mission, is the chief medical officer and chief physician executive at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg and senior executive vice president of DHR Health. He is a member of the Texas Medical Association, American Medical Association, and multiple community organizations. He has served as co-chair of the Ryan Gibson Leukemia Advocate and Research Group, member of the Texas Alzheimer’s Association and the Texas Workforce Solutions Board of Directors.

Zach Jones, M.D., of Frisco, is a board-certified anesthesiologist with Metropolitan Anesthesia Consultants. He is a member of the Texas Medical Association, Dallas County Medical Society, American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists. Jones received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from The University of Texas (UT) at Austin and a Doctor of Medicine from UT Health Science Center in Houston.

Tomeka Moses Herod, of Allen, is the president of The Wilkins Group, Inc. She is a member of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, who honored her with a Quest for Success Award and she is also a member of the Dallas/Fort Worth Minority Business Council, Black Contractors Association and the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association.

Mary “Kelly” Green, M.D., of Marble Falls, is an eye surgeon and owner of a private ophthalmology practice. Green is a member of the Texas Medical Association, Burnet Llano Lampasas County Medical Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and Marble Falls Education Foundation Board. Additionally, Green is an oral board examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology, and a former volunteer with the United States Peace Corps in West Africa, where she taught physics and chemistry in French. The Governor appointed Green to the Texas Medical Board District Four Review Committee in 2024.

Kandace B. Farmer, D.O., of Highland Village, is a radiologist and breast imaging specialist in diagnostic radiology at Rose Imaging Specialists. She is a member of the Texas Medical Association, Society of Breast Imaging, American College of Osteopathic Medicine and the American Osteopathic College of Radiology Mammography Committee. Additionally, she is a member of The Links Incorporated, past member of the North Texas Women Business League and past volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club.

James “JD” S. Distefano, D.O., of College Station, is a board certified physician at Cornerstone Sports Medicine. He also serves as a team physician for Texas A&M Athletics. Distefano honorably served in the United State Air Force. He is a member of the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, and the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine. In addition, he is a volunteer physician for the Special Olympics.

George L. De Loach, D.O., P.A., of Livingston, is a physician and chief of surgery at CHI St. Luke’s Livingston, and owner of Big Thicket Orthopedics. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, Texas Orthopedics Association, and the American Osteopathic Association. De Loach received a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Garry D. Crain, of San Marcos, is a retired health care administrator with over three decades of experience. He is the former vice chair of the Texas State University System Board of Regents and former member of the Johnson County Chamber of Commerce, Murray State University School of Nursing and Health Professions Advisory Committee, and the Johnson County Memorial Hospital Board. He was named the first distinguished alumnus of the University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health.