The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) Board of Directors has a new board member representing Goliad County. John Yochem Jr. was appointed by Governor Abbott to fill the Goliad Director position recently vacated by the retirement of former director Alicia Lott Cowley, who had represented Goliad County since 2015. The term is set to expire on December 31, 2027, or until a successor is duly elected and qualified.
“It’s an honor to welcome John to the River Authority Board,” said Jim Campbell, Chairman of the Board. “His prior service on our Environmental Advisory Committee has shown us his unwavering dedication to our mission. We are confident his perspective will be invaluable as we protect and enhance the river basin.”
Branch River Park
Yochem Jr., a Goliad native, has long had an interest in the San Antonio River and the River Authority. He has previously served on the River Authority’s Environmental Advisory Committee, which assists the agency with the Clean Rivers Program and other environmental initiatives. In addition to enjoying living near the River Authority’s Branch River Park in Goliad, he has enjoyed hiking along the river near Riverdale, admiring old-growth Burr Oak and Pecan trees.
“The San Antonio River’s beauty extends from the water and banks to the undisturbed forested areas that extend into adjacent properties,” said John Yochem Jr. “In Goliad County, the river is enjoyed by many, and we appreciate the River Authority’s mission of being committed to safe, clean, enjoyable creeks and rivers.”
Wildflowers bloom during Spring in Goliad.
Yochem Jr. is retired after over 47 years in furniture sales and interior design. He is chairman of the City of Goliad Board of Architectural Review for Historic Districts and Landmarks and former chairman of the City of Corpus Christi Arts & Cultural Commission, formerly the Municipal Art Commission. Yochem Jr. received a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from The University of Texas at Austin.
The 12-member Board of Directors that governs the River Authority consists of two at-large members from each of Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties, two at-large members for Bexar County, and one member for each of four River Authority districts in Bexar County for a total of six members representing Bexar County. Before Yochem, the most recently elected board members were Bexar County’s Liza Barratachea and Patrice Melancon, who joined the Board in January 2024. All candidates are elected except in the case of a vacancy prior to a term end, in which case the Governor of the State of Texas appoints a replacement.
Head to our webpage San Antonio River Authority Board of Directors to learn more.
