AUSTIN — Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. announced the appointment of Jennifer Jones as the new Chief Clerk of the General Land Office (GLO) and Adrian Piloto as the new Deputy Chief Clerk for the Agency.

After nearly two decades of service, Chief Clerk Mark Havens announced earlier this month, his plans to depart the Agency and continue his career as an attorney in the private sector.

"First of all, I would like to thank Mark Havens for his diligent work at the GLO. With over 18 years of knowledge at this Agency, his steady voice and guidance has been greatly appreciated. I wish Mark and his family nothing but the best in their future endeavors,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “Having worked with Jennifer and Adrian for a number of years in the Texas Legislature, I can say with confidence that the GLO and Texans will be in great hands. Their combined experience and understanding of state agencies and policy will ensure our Agency is poised to fund education, serve our Veterans, protect our coast, and help Texans recover from disasters. Our future is bright, and I am looking forward to continuing on this path of serving all Texans and serving them well.”

Jones has more than 30 years of experience in Texas state government. She has worked for the Texas Senate, Legislative Reference Library, and the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, serving at Sunset's first female Executive Director. Commissioner Buckingham asked Jones to join her team at the Texas General Land Office in 2023 as the Deputy Director of Government Relations, she was then appointed to fill the role of Deputy Land Commissioner.

"This is an incredible honor to serve as the Chief Clerk at the General Land Office while continuing to work closely with Commissioner Buckingham," said Jones after she was sworn in. "The work we do here for the state and all Texans is so important and I am excited to continue that work as we help lead Texas into the future."

In this constitutionally mandated position, Jones will act as the Chief Executive Officer for the Land Office and manage the daily activities of the Agency. The Chief Clerk is the only GLO employee, other than the Commissioner, who may act on the Commissioner's behalf. Since the Chief Clerk is designated as the substitute for the Land Commissioner, the position is bound by the same constitutional oath administered to elected officials.

Piloto's appointment as Deputy Chief Clerk of the General Land Office comes after serving as Commissioner Buckingham's Chief of Staff both at the GLO and while she served as a Texas State Senator for District 24. Piloto's experience has also seen him serve in the Texas Legislature in various capacities.

"I'm honored to take on this new role with the General Land Office and continue to ensure Commissioner Buckingham’s mission ‘to serve those we're supposed to serve and do it well’ is carried out throughout the state," said Deputy Chief Clerk Piloto. "What we do at the GLO touches the lives of every Texan, and it’s a privilege to work closely with Commissioner Buckingham and the dedicated employees at the Agency who roll up their sleeves each day on behalf of all Texans.”