The Secretary of Commerce recently announced the appointment of three new Gulf Council members. Appointees will begin their three-year terms on August 11, 2025.

Brenda Ballard is an avid recreational angler from Texas. Ms. Ballard is the Program Director for the Center of Continuing Education at Texas A&M Kingsville. She serves as the President for her local chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association and serves on the Gulf Council’s Reef Fish Advisory Panel.

Johnny Marquez is the Senior Manager of Sportsman Advocacy for Vanishing Paradise/ National Wildlife Federation. He lives in coastal Mississippi and is an avid recreational fisherman. Mr. Marquez has served on numerous Council Advisory Panels and Stock Assessment Panels.

Dr. Michael Allen hails from Cedar Key, Florida. He is an avid recreational angler, licensed captain, co-owner of a seafood market, and fisheries professor at the University of Florida. Dr. Allen is the Chairman of the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee.