Commissioner Jason Ohrt and Commissioner Kenneth Sexton were among eighteen county judges and commissioners who successfully completed the Commissioners Court Leadership Academy, graduating August 6, 2026. The academy is sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s V.G. Young Institute of County Government. The courses provide elected county officials with advanced training focused on effective governance, leadership, and the responsibilities of serving on Commissioners Court.

Dr. Peter McGuill, director of the V.G. Young Institute of County Government, recognized the graduates for their commitment to advancing their leadership skills.

The ceremony concluded a two-day session for the academy members in College Station. During their stay, the class members met with leadership development specialists and toured the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service’s Brayton Fire Training Field and Disaster City. They also received a briefing at the Texas A&M Forest Service’s State Emergency Operations Center.

The Commissioners Court Leadership Academy is a two-year program consisting of four multi-day sessions. These sessions are held in various locations in Texas and Washington D.C., and give commissioners court members a chance to increase their knowledge of county government, develop communications skills, and improve their ability to serve in leadership roles.

“One of the best experiences I have ever had. It was a great blend of leadership, knowledge of Texas A&M AgriLife institutions, and friendships with judges and commissioners from all over Texas. This invaluable experience will help me better serve the constituents of Precinct 2,” said Commissioner Ohrt.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have gone through this academy surrounded by leaders in local government. The knowledge, relationships, and perspective I’ve gained through the academy will add even greater value to my tenure as a commissioner and how I serve our community,” said Commissioner Sexton. “These past four years serving as a commissioner have been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Victoria County.”

The V.G. Young Institute of County Government is a part of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and The Texas A&M University System. Located in College Station, the Institute works to meet the educational needs of county officials and the public by anticipating, identifying, and addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by Texas county government.

Left to Right - Dr. Peter McGuill, Commissioner Ohrt, Dr. Rick Avery

Left to Right - Dr. Peter McGuill, Commissioner Sexton, Dr. Rick Avery