When most people think of a career in public service, they picture dedicated individuals who spend their entire professional lives serving in a single organization, advancing through the ranks, and retiring after decades of commitment. While that may be true for many state employees and retirees, Dan Maxwell had a much more winding - and dare we say exciting - path.
Dan is not only a retired state employee but also a dedicated volunteer for TPEA and numerous other organizations close to his heart. His professional journey—from public radio to the University of Texas system and various leadership roles within what is now the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)—exemplifies a lifelong commitment to public service.
Dan, tell us a little about your background and career.
I began my public service in the UT system at UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Following that, I continued in higher education at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU).
At UT Southwestern Medical School, I worked in the print shop, where I received a thorough grounding in small print shop operations. At SFASU, as a graduate student, I was the first student manager of KSAU radio, overseeing the final stages of our FCC licensing and launching over-the-air broadcast operations.
I was the Media Services Director at the Lufkin State Supported Living Center during my career with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). I was a photographer, videographer, educational slide and video producer, cable TV installer and programmer, and sound engineer at the center for the best part of 34 years. I retired in 2010 while serving at DADS. And in 2017, DADS was integrated with other health and human service agencies to form the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) system.
What gave you the biggest sense of pride in your work?
I first came to the Supported Living Center knowing almost nothing about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I take pride in having overcome this limitation, learning to work comfortably in a challenging environment, and contributing my talents to such worthy endeavors.
What are some stand out moments in your career?
Professionally, it was building a campus TV cable system and adding satellite TV reception so the residents could view programming from more than the one local TV channel available at the time.
Personally, it was befriending many of the folks who call the center home. As a volunteer, I continue to be involved in their lives today!
How is retirement? What is keeping you busy these days?
In retirement, I consider myself a “serial volunteer!" While working at the Supported Living Center, I volunteered regularly playing live music for the residents with various musicians from around the area. This commitment extended into my retirement, where I expanded my involvement to include DJing at both Lufkin and Austin SSLCs and supporting the Annual Follow Your Dreams State Music Festival Competitions. Additionally, I have contributed my time to the Human Rights Committees at both facilities. Notably, my years of volunteer service with HHS now exceed my time as an employee, and my contributions have been formally recognized on three occasions by the agency. As a “serial volunteer," I currently serve in two executive volunteer positions with TPEA, and I’ve taken a role leading a team in establishing a nonprofit to raise funds in support of the Annual (HSCS) Follow Your Dreams State Music Festival Competitions.
Any final thoughts to share about being a state retiree?
My experiences reflect a broad range of interests and abilities. Retirement from state service has provided me with the time and flexibility to pursue these passions more fully than was possible earlier in my career. I am deeply appreciative of the opportunities and fulfillment that a life in public service has given me.
Why is it important you to you to be a TPEA member and volunteer?
When I first learned about TPEA and its approach to securing state employee benefits, I thought, “That’s smart!” Over many years of membership and volunteering, I’ve only become more certain that working with the legislature, the folks who make the decisions about our pay, retirement, and health insurance, and helping them stay in office, is without doubt the best way to ensure that State Employment remains an honorable and viable career choice.
As he mentioned, Dan currently serves TPEA in two very important capacities. He is the Committee Chair for EMPACT, and he is the Committee Chair for Chapter 149. He is our go to call for events and Capital visits, and you can even find him helping answer questions on our Facebook page. He selflessly shares his time and energy with TPEA, and we are incredibly grateful for all he does. Thank you for being an Essential Texan, Dan!