Title: Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner for Administration
Company: Texas Department of Agriculture
Location: Austin, Texas, United States
Terry Keel, deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner for administration at Texas Department of Agriculture, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in public service.
With over four decades of experience, Mr. Keel has established a distinguished career in public service, specializing in criminal law, Texas legislative processes, law enforcement instruction, courtroom and appellate litigation, and training Texas peace officers. He currently serves as deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner for administration at the Texas Department of Agriculture, roles he has held since 2015. His experience also includes serving as executive director of the Texas Facilities Commission from 2009 to 2015, parliamentarian for the Texas House of Representatives through the Texas Legislative Council from 2007 to 2009, and special prosecutor appointed by the district attorney before the Hays County grand jury from 1999 to 2000. He was a state representative for District 47 in the Texas House of Representatives from 1997 to 2007, sheriff of Travis County from 1992 to 1996, and an instructor at the Austin Police Department Training Academy from 1990 to 2005. Earlier in his career, he served as an assistant district attorney in Travis County from 1984 to 1992 and in Brazos County from 1983 to 1984.
Additionally, Mr. Keel served on the St. Edward’s University School of Behavioral and Social Sciences Advisory Board from 1995 to 2007, the Advisory Council of the Crime Victim’s Institute as an appointee of the Texas attorney general from 1997 to 2003, and the Commission on State Emergency Communications as an appointee of Lieutenant Governor Bullock from 1995 to 2001. Laying a strong educational foundation, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Texas in 1980 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston in 1983. He is admitted to the Supreme Court of Texas, the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, and the Supreme Court of the United States. He also holds a master peace officer certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Mr. Keel has contributed to the legal field as the author of several works, including “Criminal Law Changes to the Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure” and “Changes to the Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure by the 77th Legislature.” He is also an honorary member of the Austin Police Retired Officers Association since 2020 and the Austin Police Association since 1999. His accolades include the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal from the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution in 1995, special service recognition from The Society for Former Special Agents of the FBI in 1993, and multiple recognition awards from the Austin Police Department, including from the Hispanic Crimes Unit and Hispanic Police Officers Association in 1988 and the Sex Crimes Detail in 1985. Additionally, he is a life member of both the Ex-Students Association of The University of Texas and the University of Houston Alumni Association, reflecting his enduring commitment to his alma maters and his professional community.
In light of his impressive undertakings, Mr. Keel has been honored with the Travis County Sheriffs Law Enforcement Association President’s Award in 2016, the Legislator of the Year Award from the Texas State Rifle Association in 2006, and the Law and Order Award from the Texas District and County Attorneys Association in 2003. He was also honored with the Legislative Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal Police Association, the Texas Association of Business Fighter for Free Enterprise Award during the 77th Legislative Session, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Crime Victim Clearinghouse Senator Ralph Yarborough Allied Professional Award. He attributes his success to the strong influence of his parents and a deep commitment to education. Looking to the future, is dedicated to continuing his commitment to public service, focusing on advancing agricultural initiatives and addressing issues related to criminal justice.
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