As Don Huffines transitioned into his role as the new Texas comptroller this summer, he took the initiative to meet with key staff members to familiarize himself with their responsibilities. Accompanying him was his recently appointed deputy, Noah Betz.
Betz, a recent graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in business administration, has quickly risen to the position of deputy comptroller, a role that places him in one of the most influential positions within the agency, which employs around 3,000 individuals. Although he has not publicly disclosed his age, public records indicate he is likely in his mid-twenties.
His appointment comes amid significant turnover at the agency, with numerous employees leaving or being dismissed, leading to a considerable loss of institutional knowledge. Five former employees, who requested anonymity for fear of repercussions, described the situation as chaotic during Huffines’ early days in office.
Betz’s annual salary of $306,000 is notably double that of his predecessor, Kelly Hancock, who stepped down at the end of July. This places him in the top tier of government salaries, while Huffines has opted not to take a salary himself.
Since graduating, Betz has primarily worked in consulting roles for conservative politicians, including Huffines’ campaign for a full four-year term, as well as managing Huffines’ real estate and development firm. Betz did not respond to requests for an interview regarding his new position.
Jeff Norwood, associate deputy comptroller for external affairs, defended Huffines’ hiring choices, asserting that the comptroller has successfully assembled a skilled leadership team dedicated to enhancing the agency’s efficiency and effectiveness for taxpayers. He dismissed the need for advice from liberal critics.
Among those who have departed the agency are high-ranking officials, including Lisa Craven, the former deputy comptroller with three decades of legislative experience, and Brad Reynolds, the chief revenue estimator who has been with the agency since 2010.
Transforming the Comptroller’s Office
Betz’s appointment exemplifies Huffines’ efforts to reform the comptroller’s office, which plays a crucial role in estimating state revenues that inform the Texas budget every two years. Despite the turnover, Huffines has retained team members with extensive backgrounds in tax law and government operations.
Huffines is preparing for a showdown with Democratic Senator Sarah Eckhardt in the upcoming general election, who has expressed concerns about the significant loss of expertise within the office. She accused the administration of “weaponizing” the office, highlighting the risk of losing valuable institutional knowledge.
On the campaign trail, Huffines has positioned himself as a disruptor of the status quo, advocating for limited government and promising to overhaul the agency. He emphasized the progress made in just a month, stating that the changes aim to protect taxpayers and streamline operations.
Betz’s Political Journey
Noah Betz’s entry into politics began during his time at Texas A&M, where he led the campus chapter of Young Conservatives of Texas. His online presence reflects interactions with prominent figures in Texas’ far-right political scene, engaging in discussions that often criticized establishment politicians.
In April 2024, Betz was hired by Tarrant County’s ultraconservative county executive, Tim O’Hare, for a communications role, a decision that faced scrutiny due to potential conflicts with political activity restrictions for county employees. By this time, Betz had already established his consulting firm, Bluestone Creatives.
Campaign finance records reveal that his firm has received substantial payments from Huffines and other conservative lawmakers, totaling approximately $2.7 million since 2022.
Betz’s role as deputy comptroller involves overseeing agency operations and improving efficiency, though his background in public administration and state fiscal management appears limited.
The agency’s hiring records indicate that Betz is relatively inexperienced compared to his predecessor, Lisa Craven, who dedicated 40 years to state service. Craven’s extensive career began as a tour guide at the Capitol and evolved into significant leadership roles within government.
Disruption and Departures
Craven’s unexpected resignation in June surprised many, as she had maintained focus on her work despite electoral challenges. Following Huffines’ appointment, she resigned shortly afterward, prompting concerns about the agency’s future stability.
The recent wave of departures has been described by former employees as chaotic, with individuals learning about their terminations in abrupt and unsettling ways. One former employee recounted being locked out of their computer, receiving condolences from colleagues without understanding the context.
Many expressed fear that if experienced employees could be dismissed so suddenly, anyone could be next. The atmosphere of uncertainty marked a troubling beginning for Huffines’ tenure.
Huffines has yet to comment extensively on the staffing changes, but in interviews, he has described the agency as a “mess” that requires significant restructuring. He indicated a desire to move away from the bureaucratic status quo that has characterized the agency for decades.
