AUSTIN–In March 2001, Richard F. (“Ric”) Williamson became Governor Rick Perry’s first appointee to the Texas Transportation Commission. Williamson joins John W. Johnson of Houston and Robert Nichols of Jacksonville on the three-member commission overseeing statewide transportation programs of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Williamson, a resident of Weatherford and a former state legislator, brings a new perspective to the Commission as it struggles to meet the transportation needs of the people of Texas. He plans to develop closer relations between TxDOT and members of the legislature to arrive at innovative ways to deal with transportation problems. “Working together to provide the best possible transportation system for all Texans and seeking important solutions to traffic congestion, aging rural highways, safety and air quality problems is a transportation challenge we have to face,” he said. Economic development, specifically along the Texas-Mexico border is also of primary importance.
Born in Abilene, Williamson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1974. He then went on to build his natural gas production company and served from 1985-1998 in the Texas Legislature.
Williamson and his wife, Mary Ann, are parents to three daughters, Melissa, Katherine, and Sara. Personal interests for Williamson include hunting and fishing and supporting women’s fastpitch softball.