On the same day that Eleanor Kitzman exited her post as state insurance commissioner, Texas Gov. Rick Perry appointed Julia Rathgeber of Austin to take over leadership at the Texas Department of Insurance.

Kitzman, appointed in between regular sessions of the legislature, was never confirmed by the Senate, so her term as commissioner ended as lawmakers wrapped up the 2013 regular session on May 27.

Rathgeber is currently deputy chief of staff in the Office of Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, the governor’s office said.

She is a past director of research for the Texas General Land Office, and a past director of the strategic assessment division for the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, now the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Seton Fund Development Board, and a member of and volunteer for The Settlement Club and The Settlement Home for Children.

Lawmakers had little time to celebrate their accomplishments during the regular session, as Perry called for a special session to begin almost immediately after the legislature adjourned on May 27.

Although the special session was called ostensibly to tackle redistricting, other topics are expected to be brought up.

One possibility is that lawmakers will take up legislation to restructure the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.