Governmental Affairs and Communications

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.

Michael E. Cokinos, of Houston, is founder and President of Cokinos Energy Corporation. He serves on the Board of Directors at South Texas College of Law in Houston and is a Board Director of the Greek Orthodox Legacy Fund and a member of the Houstonian Club. Additionally, Cokinos is the former mayor pro tem and city councilman of Hunter's Creek Village, substitute teacher for Spring Branch I.S.D., past chairman and police commissioner of the Memorial Village Police Department and a member and past chairman of the Texas A&M University at Galveston Board of Visitors.

Sharon J. Barnes, of Rosharon, is the Chief Human Resources Officer for the San José Clinic in Houston as she held various HR and technical roles at Freeport LNG and the Dow Chemical Company, respectively. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the American Chemical Society; and she is a board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County. Additionally, she is a member and former board secretary for the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers. She holds a foundation board seat for CHI St.

Devinder S. Bhatia, M.D., of Houston, is a Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon. He is the founder, CEO, and president of Southeast Texas Cardiovascular P.A., and is certified by the American Board of thoracic surgery and currently serves as chief of cardiovascular surgery at HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the Federation of State Medical Boards. He is a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Society for Vascular Surgery, and the Harris County Medical Society.