Melissa K. Blanding of Driftwood is a stay-at-home mom who previously worked at the Public Utility Commission of Texas, in the Office of the Governor and as the chief of staff to a former Texas state representative. She also is a former member of the City of Austin Water and Wastewater Commission. Blanding currently serves as chair of the Stewardship Committee for St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and as a parent volunteer for the Regents School of Austin. Blanding studied government at The University of Texas at Austin and then began her career in public service. Gov. Greg Abbott appointed her to the Board in May 2021 for a term that expires Feb. 1, 2027.