Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed three members to the state’s Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee, filling key positions to help recruit and retain aerospace jobs in Texas.
The appointments come as Texas continues to compete with other states for lucrative aerospace contracts and manufacturing facilities. The committee advises state officials on economic development strategies for the aviation sector.
Summer Webb of Valentine joins the committee as a new appointee. Webb serves as deputy director of Launch Site One — Blue Origin’s spaceport near Van Horn — and government relations director for Blue Origin’s Texas operations.
The small-town mayor also represents rural communities on the Rio Grande Council of Governments. She holds degrees in business and accounting from UT El Paso.
Abbott reappointed two incumbent members: Aimee Burnett and Sonja Clark. Both bring extensive industry experience to their advisory roles.
Burnett, a Southlake resident, oversees F-35 business development at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. Her 24-year career at the defense contractor spans engineering, operations, and business development roles.
She serves on Southern Methodist University’s engineering board and the World Affairs Council. Burnett earned both her mechanical engineering and systems engineering degrees from SMU.
Clark leads Bell Textron’s aircraft assembly center in Amarillo. The former healthcare administrator transitioned to the aerospace industry in 2006, holding various leadership positions since then.
Her extensive civic involvement includes board positions with the Amarillo Area Foundation and West Texas A&M University Foundation. Clark holds nursing degrees from WTAMU.
All three appointees will serve four-year terms ending September 1, 2029. The committee helps shape Texas’ economic policy for an industry that employs thousands across the state.