Austin, Texas — The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has announced the promotion of Dr. Chris Elliott to Chief Historic Sites Officer, where he will provide strategic leadership for the agency's network of 42 state historic sites across Texas, ensuring these landmarks continue to preserve and share Texas history with the public.
In his new role, Elliott will oversee all historic sites which are owned and operated by the THC including Texas Revolution sites such as San Felipe de Austin and Presidio la Bahía, house museum and cultural sites like the Magoffin Home, Fulton Mansion, Port Isabel Lighthouse and Caddo Mounds, as well as numerous historic forts and battlegrounds. In addition, he will assist the directors of state-owned sites which are managed by operating partners such as the National Museum of the Pacific War, San Jacinto Battleground, and Washington-on-the-Brazos. There are 42 sites in the current THC portfolio.
"I’m genuinely excited to lead this new chapter, helping Texas history feel less like homework and more like an adventure,” said Elliott. “Texas has a rich, exciting story, and I’m committed to finding creative ways to reconnect our communities to it.”
He brings more than 25 years of experience in museum, historical interpretation, and historic site operations to the post, having started as a tour guide at the National Museum of the Pacific War.
“Chris Elliott embodies the spirit of Texas entrepreneurship—high energy, imaginative, and a naturally gifted problem solver driven by success,” said THC Executive Director Joseph Bell. “A native Texan, he carries a deep commitment to the heritage and dynamic history of the Lone Star State, bringing that pride and perspective into every endeavor. His blend of creativity, determination, and authentic Texas character makes him a true kindred spirit and a powerful force in any venture.”
Elliott joined the THC in 2008 as a historic site director at Magoffin Home in El Paso and had been involved in overseeing multiple historic sites for several years. Most recently, he served as the THC’s Division Director of Historic Sites Operations. Prior to the THC, Elliott worked with Texas Parks and Wildlife for seven years after serving in the U.S. Air Force for six years.
Elliott earned a graduate degree in military history from American Military University and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Argosy University. Elliott and his family have deep roots in the Texas Hill Country.