(Austin, Texas) Texas House of Representatives' Speaker Joe Straus recently announced the appointment of Mark E. Watson, Jr. to the Oversight Committee of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). Mr. Watson, one of three appointees selected by the Speaker of the House to serve on the CPRIT Board, will fill a term that expires January 31, 2017. Members of the Oversight Committee guide the work of the Institute, which awards grants to expedite innovation in cancer research, help bring lifesaving cancer products to Texans and expand evidence-based cancer prevention capabilities across the state.

"It is vital for Texas that we remain at the forefront of cancer prevention and research," said Speaker Joe Straus. "I know Mark Watson's background and involvement in civic and health-related community activities makes him a valuable addition to the CPRIT board".

A graduate of The University of Notre Dame, Mr. Watson began his career in the field of insurance, successfully creating Titan Holdings, a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange. Mr. Watson also owned and operated the Diamond K Ranch near Sisterdale, TX. He is a founding member of the Board of Directors of The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio and has long been involved in the Cancer Therapy and Research Center (CTRC) of San Antonio, playing a key role in the CTRC merger with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Mr. Watson joins Mr. Walker N. Moody and Mr. Alex Meade as new members to the CPRIT Oversight Committee. Mr. Moody and Mr. Meade were appointed by Governor Rick Perry and will serve until 2013 and 2015 respectively.