Harris County, TX, January 9, 2026 — Harris County Commissioners Court has confirmed the appointments of the members of the Harris County Broadband Task Force, the next step following the Court’s unanimous approval of the task force’s bylaws in November.

The Broadband Task Force brings together representatives from county precincts, community organizations, educational institutions and industry sectors to guide Harris County’s efforts to expand broadband infrastructure, identify funding opportunities and advance strategies that promote digital inclusion.

During Executive Session, Commissioners Court added an additional ISD position, increasing the task force to 17 members.    

The task force will serve as a cross-sector advisory body to Commissioners Court, supporting coordinated action to address broadband access, affordability and adoption across Harris County. The task force will help align community needs, public-sector priorities and private-sector expertise to advance long-term digital equity goals.

“The approval of the bylaws in November set the foundation, and today’s confirmation of the Broadband Task Force members brings that vision into action,” said Sindhu Menon, Chief Information Officer and Executive Director of Harris County Universal Services. “I want to thank Commissioners Court for its continued leadership and commitment to bridging the digital divide. This task force is a critical component in that effort bringing together voices from public-private partnerships, interdepartmental expertise and community voices to ensure every resident has access to the connectivity they need to participate fully in today’s world.”

Task Force Membership Includes:

Court Office Nominees

• Position 1 – Precinct 1: Nicolette Walker, Shared Services Director
• Position 2 – Precinct 2: Marie Arcos
• Position 3 – Precinct 3: Lynnard Rose
• Position 4 – Precinct 4: Vincent Sanders, Manager, Travel Demand Forecasting
• Position 5 – County Judge’s Office: Forum Shelat, County Governance Senior Policy Advisor

Community & Sector Representatives

• Position 6 – Communities with Lowest Internet Connectivity: Charles Cave (Retired, METRO)
• Position 7 – Internet and Broadband Provider: Lindsay Munoz (Partner, Whitmire Munoz)
• Position 8 – Independent School Districts (ISDs): Dr. Paula Patterson (Crosby ISD Superintendent)
• Position 9 - Independent School District (ISDs): Michael McDonough (Houston ISD Principal, retired)
• Position 10– Non-Profit Working to Close Digital Divide: Pending Appointment
• Position 11 – Workforce Development: Belinda Aguilar (President of Communications Workers of America Local 6222)
• Position 12 – Post-Secondary Institutions: Jordan Carswell (Director, West Houston Institute

Ex-Officio Members

• Position 13 & Chair: Sindhu Menon – Executive Director and CIO, Universal Services
• Position 14: Edward Melton – Executive Director, Harris County Public Libraries
• Position 15: Sam Peña – Office of County Engineer, Chief, Infrastructure Services and Disaster Recovery
• Position 16: Elijah Williams – Chief of Staff, Harris County Flood Control District
• Position 17: Christopher Carroll – Harris County Toll Road Authority

The Court Office Nominees and Community and Sector Representatives will serve 2-year terms ending January 8, 2028.