Press Releases | October 23, 2026
Longtime Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia to Join Texas Association of Counties
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2026
Contact:
Jody Seaborn
Texas Association of Counties
(512) 478-8753
AUSTIN — The Texas Association of Counties (TAC) has appointed longtime Chambers
County Judge Jimmy Sylvia as its newest county relations officer, bringing more than three
decades of county government experience to the role. Sylvia will join TAC on Nov. 9.
As a county relations officer, Sylvia will work directly with county officials across Southeast
Texas, connecting them with TAC resources, programs and services through on-site visits,
consultations and ongoing outreach.
“Judge Sylvia knows county government from the ground up, and he understands the issues
county officials face every day because he’s been there himself,” TAC Executive Director Susan
M. Redford said. “He’ll be a great resource for county leaders, and we’re excited to welcome
him to the TAC team.”
Sylvia began his public service career in 1993 as a Chambers County commissioner and became
county judge in 1997. After nearly 30 years in that role, he announced plans last year to retire at
the end of his seventh term on Dec. 31. On Oct. 27, he announced in commissioners court that he
would step down early, effective Nov. 8, to join TAC.
During his time in office, Sylvia helped lead Chambers County through significant population
growth, economic development, major infrastructure investments and natural disasters. His work
spanned county administration, fiscal and emergency management, infrastructure planning and
intergovernmental relations.
Sylvia’s experience also extends beyond county lines. He worked with the Texas Legislature,
state and federal agencies, regional organizations and fellow county leaders on issues affecting
counties statewide.
“After nearly 30 years as Chambers County judge and more than three decades in county
government, I’ve learned that some of our greatest resources are the relationships we build with
one another,” Sylvia said. “I’m excited to serve as a TAC county relations officer, sharing my
experience, supporting fellow county officials and helping strengthen county government across
Texas.”
TAC's county relations officers serve as a direct link between the association and county
officials. They provide guidance on TAC services and resources while fostering collaboration
among county leaders.
Sylvia joins a county relations team that includes former Llano County Judge Ron Cunningham,
former Van Zandt County Judge Rhita Koches, former Childress County Judge Jay Mayden and
former Lavaca County Judge Tramer Woytek.
For more information about the Texas Association of Counties, visit www.county.org.
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