Donna L. Nelson
Chair, Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT)

Donna L. Nelson was named Chair of the Public Utility Commission of Texas by Governor Rick Perry on July 26, 2011, for a term to expire at the pleasure of the governor. Chair Nelson was previously appointed to the PUCT by Governor Perry on August 15, 2008.

Nelson served as a special assistant and advisor to Governor Rick Perry on energy, telecommunications and cable budget and policy issues. She also assisted the Governor's Competitiveness Council with the preparation of the Texas 2008 State Energy Plan. She previously served as director of the PUCT telecommunication's section and legal advisor to the PUCT chairman.

Additionally, she is a former assistant attorney general of Texas, where she specialized in antitrust law. Nelson also worked as a Legislative Assistant to a United States Senator. Nelson is a licensed attorney and a past member of the Texas Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Delays.

She received a bachelor's degree from Black Hills State College and a law degree from Texas Tech University. Donna resides in Austin with her son, John.