TDCJ News

Governor Abbott Appoints One, Reappoints Two to Texas Board of Criminal Justice

February 18, 2026

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Martin Garza and reappointed Faith Johnson and Sichan Siv to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ), with terms set to expire on February 1, 2031.

Martin Garza of Mission is retired. He previously served as chief of police and city manager for the City of Mission, as city manager of the City of Weslaco, and as chief of staff for Hidalgo County Precinct 3. He is the chairman of the Mission Redevelopment Authority/Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1. Garza received an associate degree in Law Enforcement from Laredo College (formerly known as the Laredo Junior College) and a bachelor’s degree in Police Administration from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UT) (formerly known as UT - Pan American).

Faith Johnson was appointed to the TBCJ in November 2019. Ms. Johnson is currently the Senior Judge of the 363rd Judicial District Court, sitting on assignment. She previously served as Judge of the 363rd Judicial District Court and as Dallas County Criminal District Attorney. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Dallas Bar Association and former member of the American Judges Association, Texas Public Safety Commission, Texas Department of Family & Protective Services Board, Violent Gang Task Force, Dallas County Juvenile Board, and the State of Texas Committee on Judicial Ethics. Johnson received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Education in Community Counseling from Georgia State University and a Juris Doctor degree from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

Sichan Siv was appointed to the TBCJ in November 2019. Mr. Siv is a former United States Ambassador to the United Nations and is an author. He also served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. He is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol and a volunteer with the San Antonio Police Department. Siv received a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University.