Military

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) is proud to announce that Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Thomas “Justin” MacDonald as the new Chairman of its Board.

Hailing from Kerville, Texas, Mr. MacDonald is a familiar face at the agency, having first been appointed to the Board in December 2020. Since then, he has served in the Commercial Builder position, bringing his extensive experience as CEO and President of MacDonald Companies, Inc. to the TSBPE’s mission. An alumnus of Angelo State University and the University of Texas at San Antonio, Mr. MacDonald’s deep roots in the Texas construction and business sectors make him uniquely qualified to lead the Board into its next chapter.

“Governor Abbott has made an excellent choice in appointing Justin MacDonald as Chairman,” said TSBPE Executive Director Lisa G. Hill. “Justin brings a practical understanding of the construction industry, a steady commitment to public service, and a clear appreciation for the role skilled plumbers play in protecting the health and safety of Texans. Over the past several years, we have seen firsthand his thoughtful leadership, his respect for the trade, and his commitment to helping the agency serve licensees, registrants, and the public more effectively. We look forward to working with him in this new role as the Board continues building on the progress made in recent years.”

With this appointment, the TSBPE also bids a fond farewell to outgoing Chairman Frank S. Denton of Conroe, Texas. Mr. Denton’s tenure as Chair has been marked by several significant transformations for the agency. Under his leadership, the TSBPE successfully navigated sunset review, expanded exam capacity across the state, helped create training programs for the next generation of plumbers, and oversaw the implementation of innovative technologies that have helped streamline communication and make the TSBPE’s services more accessible to every license holder in Texas. His commitment to the trade has left the agency stronger and better prepared to serve the public for years to come.

“Frank Denton leaves behind large boots to fill!” said incoming Board Chairman MacDonald. “Under his leadership, TSBPE has accomplished so much, streamlined our processes, and moved to a new location. His legacy will certainly endure.”

Mr. MacDonald’s term as Board Chairman begins immediately and he will be helming the next Board Meeting which has yet to be scheduled. The TSBPE remains committed to its mission of protecting the health and safety of all Texans by ensuring that plumbing systems are installed and maintained by qualified, licensed professionals.

For more information, visit tsbpe.texas.gov

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners is proud to congratulate board member CH (LTC) Milton Gutierrez on his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in the Texas Army National Guard. The promotion, backdated to December 1st, reflects years of dedicated service and perseverance — and will be formally celebrated with a pinning ceremony on Saturday, April 18^th at Camp Mabry in Austin.

CH (LTC) Gutierrez currently serves as Operations Chaplain in his full-time National Guard role, with a part-time assignment as Brigade Chaplain for the 176th Engineer Brigade. His day-to-day work spans chaplain personnel management, deployment forecasting and prepartion, direct religious support and filling chaplain vacancies so that every unit has the spiritual support it needs. The promotion is expected to bring new responsibility as well, with an upcoming move to a command chaplain position overseeing the 141st Chaplain Detachment.

When asked what this milestone means to him, CH (LTC) Guitierrez did not hesitate:

“It means a lot of sweat, tears, sacrifice — long nights serving with soldiers, two deployments, time away from family. But more personally, coming from an immigrant family, parents who moved from Mexico to the U.S. and became citizens… I just never thought this would be something I would ever accomplish. This is my way of saying thank you to them.”

— CH (LTC) Milton Gutierrez, TSBPE Board Member

LTC Gutierrez serves on the TSBPE board as its public member — a role he approaches with the same outsider perspective that has defined his chaplaincy. Just as a chaplain advises commanders without holding command authority himself, he brings independent eyes to the board: asking the questions the public would ask, and advocating for the people plumbing is ultimately meant to serve.

Board Chair Frank S. Denton offered his congratulations:

“Milton has been a steady and reliable voice on our board, always putting plumbers’ and consumers’ welfare first and foremost in all his decisions. He is an honorable man with a beautiful family. It has been my honor to get to know him and work alongside him.”

— Frank S. Denton, Board Chair, TSBPE

Executive Director Lisa G. Hill also shared her congratulations:

“Milton brings integrity, thoughtfulness, and genuine care to everything he does — whether it’s serving his country or serving the people of Texas through this board. This promotion is a testament to his character and his commitment, and we couldn’t be more proud to have him as one of our own.”

— Lisa G. Hill, Executive Director, TSBPE

The entire TSBPE team extends its heartfelt congratulations to CH (LTC) Milton Gutierrez. We are honored to serve alongside him and thank him for his service.