Tommy Williams Hired by Texas A&M University System

Updated, Oct. 31, 3:30 p.m.:

Former state Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, has officially joined the Texas A&M University System as its new vice chancellor of federal and state relations. The system's board of regents approved his appointment on Thursday.

“Tommy Williams is a respected and dedicated public servant whose leadership as chair of the Senate Finance Committee during the 83rd Legislative Session played a significant role in prioritizing higher education,” A&M System Chancellor John Sharp said in a statement. “I have no doubt that his dedication will continue in this new role and that the A&M System will continue to lead the state in reforming higher education.”

Williams' first day on the job will be Dec. 2.

Updated, Oct. 25, 5:58 p.m.:

State Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, will make his resignation official Friday at midnight.

That's according to a resignation letter that has been sent to Gov. Rick Perry, according to Gary Scharrer, a Williams spokesman.

Word broke of Williams' intent to resign in early October. Now that his departure is a done deal, it will be up to Perry to set a date for the special election to fill out the remainder of Williams' term in office.

State Reps. Steve Toth, R-The Woodlands, and Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, have already expressed interest in succeeding Williams. Also in the race are Richard "Gordy" Bunch and Louis Guthrie.

Original story, Oct 2.:

State Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, is resigning from the Texas Senate, he told his staff Wednesday afternoon.

Separately, Williams has been approached about a government relations position within the Texas A&M University System, sources with knowledge of the discussions told The Texas Tribune.  

Williams, a Texas A&M University alumnus, has served in the state Senate since 2003. Prior to that, he spent five years in the Texas House.

Williams is the chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, and led budget negotiations in the Legislature's upper chamber. He also serves on the State Affairs, Administration and Open Government committees.

Outside of the Capitol, Williams, a CPA, has served as president of Woodforest Financial Services, an affiliate of Woodforest National Bank. He briefly considered running for comptroller earlier this year.

Ross Ramsey and Aman Batheja contributed to this report.