WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell has resigned after he accepted an appointment to President Trump’s Small Business Administration (SBA).
Gravell will take on the role as Region 6 advocate for the SBA in the Office of Advocacy, representing Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. The SBA is a federal agency dedicated to helping small businesses by providing counseling, capital and contracting expertise.
“It is a great honor to serve as the voice for the 4.5 million small businesses that make the South-Central region of the United States their home,” Gravell said. “Growing up… in Round Rock, Texas, I never could have imagined that one day I would have the opportunity to serve the United States. This is truly an honor, but I will never forget where I came from.”
Gravell was sworn in as Williamson County judge in 2019, serving more than six years. As county judge, Gravell contributed to preparing the county budget and presiding over the commissioners court, as well as serving as the county’s director of emergency management during local disasters — including the COVID-19 pandemic, brush fires, tornadoes and winter storms.
Cynthia Long, the Williamson County Commissioner for Precinct 2, said his presence will be missed.
“I am delighted for his opportunity to go serve in the new administration for the small businesses in our region,” Long said. “[Gravell] has been instrumental in economic development.”
During his tenure as county judge, Williamson County has welcomed more than 12,000 new small business. Gravell also signed a cooperation agreement in South Korea, which has helped the construction of the Samsung plant in Taylor.
“Each of these experiences have prepared me for this new role to serve our nation,” Gravell said.
Gravell was reelected to his position in 2022, and his current term was set to end at the end of 2026. Prior to becoming county judge, he served as the Precinct 3 justice of the peace from 2015 to 2018. He also spent more than 20 years as a pastor at Sonterra Fellowship in Jarrell.
County commissioners will select a person to serve as county judge until the next general election set for Nov. 3, 2026. Commissioners will meet Friday to accept Gravell’s resignation and discuss the appointment of a new county judge.
Credit: Source link
