Dec. 20, 2013 – Gov. Rick Perry on Thursday appointed Nandita Berry, Law Center graduate and former University of Houston System regent, as the 109th Texas Secretary of State effective Jan. 7.
Berry ’ 95 will resign from her position as senior counsel at the firm of Locke Lord. In her new position, she will serve as the state's chief elections officer, the governor's liaison on border and Mexican affairs, and Texas' chief protocol officer for state and international matters.
“Nandita Berry personifies what is possible through hard work and dedication in the State of Texas,” Perry said in making the announcement. “Arriving from India at the age of 21 with nothing but $200 to her name, she worked diligently to earn her law degree and has since become one of the most accomplished attorneys in the state. Her work ethic, intelligence and wide array of experiences will serve her capably in her new duties.”
“I am truly humbled to follow in the footsteps of Stephen F. Austin, Texas’ first Secretary of State,” Berry said.” “Like him, I came to Texas in search of a better life and the limitless opportunities to be found across our great state. Every day, I see Austin’s pioneering spirit alive in Texas, and this great honor proves once again Texas is the land of opportunity, both in the private sector and public service.”
Berry has been on the boards of the Houston Zoo, the Houston Area Women’s Center, the South Asian Chamber of Commerce and The Community Family Center. During the past two fiscal years, she chaired the University of Houston System Board’s Audit and Compliance Committee. She has been a member of the Finance and Administration Committee and the Academic and Student Success Committee.
