Williamson County, TX – In a significant career shift, County Judge Bill Gravell announced his resignation during a Williamson County Commissioners Court meeting on March 11. Gravell has agreed to join President Trump’s administration, taking up a pivotal role as the Region 6 advocate for the Small Business Administration in the Office of Advocacy.
The advocacy office oversees a broad five-state territory that includes Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Shortly after his resignation was made public, Judge Betsy Lambeth administered the oath for Gravell’s new federal position.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Gravell reflected on his journey from a childhood in Round Rock, Texas to a significant federal role. “It is a great honor to represent the 4.5 million small businesses in our region,” he said. “This opportunity to serve our nation is something I could never have envisioned while growing up.”
Gravell first assumed the Williamson County judge role on January 1, 2019. His tenure was marked by substantial regional growth, with the county’s appraised value skyrocketing from $84 billion to $180 billion. Moreover, the county witnessed the introduction of more than 12,500 small enterprises and the expansion of major corporations, including tech giants Apple and Samsung, as well as Kalahari Resorts.
Beyond economic development, Gravell also played a crucial role in emergency management, leading Williamson County through various crises including the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership extended to managing responses to fires, tornadoes, and winter storms, ensuring effective deployment of both local and state resources during such emergencies.
Following Gravell’s resignation, the office of the county judge has been declared vacant. According to local governmental procedures, the commissioners will appoint a successor to hold the office until the next general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. The day’s proceedings were overseen by Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey, who served as Judge Pro-Tem.
A special session has been scheduled by the Commissioners Court for March 14 at 11 a.m., aimed at formally accepting Gravell’s resignation and discussing the appointment of the new county judge.
This significant administrative change highlights the dynamic nature of political careers and the interconnectedness of regional leadership roles with broader federal responsibilities. Gravell’s move from local to federal government underscores the critical role that regional leaders can play on the national stage, particularly in sectors as vital as small business advocacy.
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