Lucy Nashed, a former communications director for Texas Governor Rick Perry's President run, has unexpectedly resigned from her post as communications director for the Texas Department of Agriculture, citing a "tremendous lack of communication" at the state agency.
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Nashed, the top spokesperson for Texas agriculture commissioner Sid Miller, left her post amid criticisms that Miller had allegedly used taxpayer funds to pay for out-of-state trips that included personal activities. The agency then offered conflicting accounts to the media regarding why Miller’s travel was paid for with state funds.
"I have appreciated the opportunity to serve the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas agriculture industry, but I'm leaving to pursue other opportunities," Nashed said in a statement announcing her resignation. "It's clear that there's a tremendous lack of communication at the TDA, which makes it difficult for me as a comms person to do my job."
The Houston Chronicle on April 8 reported that Miller, who assumed office in January 2015, used a combination of taxpayer money and campaign funds to travel to Mississippi in 2015 to compete in a rodeo. Miller told the Chronicle that the initial purpose of trip had been to meet with agriculture officials, and when those work-related meetings never materialized, he allegedly repaid the state.
Nashed reported to Austin-based web publication The Texas Tribune, however, that the intent of the trip had always been personal, but was mistakenly logged as a business trip by a staffer, and had been booked using an agency credit card. Nashed said Miller repaid the state for the trip when the agency realized a booking mistake had been made.
The Houston Chronicle in March also reported that in February 2015, less than a month after taking office, Miller traveled to Oklahoma City to visit a doctor for the purpose of receiving a "Jesus shot,” a pain-relieving injection allegedly consisting of Dexamethasone, Kenalog and B12. Analyzing budget records, the Chronicle reported that Miller billed taxpayers “at least $1,120 for flights and a rental car” for this trip. Miller allegedly later repaid the state for this trip as well.
The Chronicle has also reported that agriculture department employees have received a number of bonuses that violate agency policies.
Nashed started her position with the Texas Department of Agriculture in November. Prior to serving as communications director for the Perry for President campaign, she was press secretary in the Texas Governor’s office and was spokeswoman for then-TX Gov. Perry.
Nashed’s replacement has not been announced.
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