Barksdale English was tapped to lead the Public Utility Commission of Texas’ program areas in February 2024 and was later named Deputy Executive Director of the agency in May 2024. He oversees the commission’s Compliance and Enforcement, Market Analysis, Rules and Projects, and Texas Energy Fund divisions.
Barksdale began his work with the Commission in 2018, serving as chief of staff to Commissioner Arthur D’Andrea. In July 2021, he was asked to lead the launch of the commission’s Division of Compliance and Enforcement. Prior to joining the commission, Barksdale worked for Austin Energy as a regulatory and market policy analyst for six years and concurrently served as Interim Chief of Staff to the utility’s general manager from 2017 to 2018. His policy work began with his service as a policy advisor to Austin City Council Member Bill Spelman from 2009 through 2012. In a prior career, Barksdale was a professional theater producer working in Boston and San Francisco.
Barksdale has graduate degrees from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas (Master of Public Affairs) and from Trinity College at the University of Dublin, Ireland (Master of Philosophy). He earned his undergraduate degree from Vassar College in New York. He lives in Austin with his wife, two kids, and two dogs.