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Texas Agriculture Commissioner
Susan Combs was elected Texas Agriculture Commissioner in 1998. Prior to that, Ms. Combs served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives. She also served on the House Natural Resources Committee during those terms and has significant expertise in water rights and related issues.
Commissioner Combs has long been an advocate of a healthy food environment for Texas schoolchildren. To help combat the trend of childhood obesity, in 2003 the U.S. Department of Agriculture transferred the $1.8 billion Child Nutrition Programs to the Texas Department of Agriculture, and Commissioner Combs has taken the lead in promoting healthy nutrition in Texas schools.
In April 2001, she received the Texas Dietetic Association's Bluebonnet Award for her dedication to nutrition. In January 2004, she received the John P. McGovern Award from the Texas School Health Association for highly meritorious contributions to the field of school health. In February 2004, she received the 2004 Eddie Garcia Partnership Award presented by the Texas Association of Second Harvest Food Banks for her commitment in fighting hunger in Texas. The Texas Division of the American Cancer Society selected Combs for the 2003 True Grit Award for her leadership in the fight against childhood obesity in March 2004.
Commissioner Combs graduated from Vassar College and received her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.