Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick was guest speaker at the April 16, 2025 meeting of the Rotary Club of Beaumont. Born and raised in Port Arthur, Judge Branick knows all about work ethic, having served in a variety of businesses including gas stations, hamburger stands, tugboats, a steel mill, and as a delivery driver for a drug store. He studied at Lamar University in public affairs, then attended the University of Texas School of Law and Baylor University School of Law where he obtained his Juris Doctorate degree in 1984. 

Judge Branick had not spoken to the Rotary Club of Beaumont since 2011. He was honored to provide the current state of affairs of Jefferson County including the fiscally sound budget and the County's robust economic climate. Though most proud of his wife Sherrie and two children Merritt and Ellia Grace, he cites the Sabine Pass area dune restoration as one of his greatest accomplishments as county judge. In recognition of these efforts, Judge Branick was awarded the Wetlands Conservation Achievement Award by Ducks Unlimited at the 2017 National Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Spokane, Washington. He was also recently appointed by Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush to the Coastal Coordination Advisory Committee for the Texas Coastal Management Program and by the Environmental Protection Agency Local Government Advisory Council. 

John Beaver and John Rollins checked members and guests into the meeting. Kathryn Fuller presented the Invocation. Pledges to the U.S. and Texas flags were led by Steve Shoemaker. Introduction of guests were presented by Roni Gillespie. Sheree Pierce, Rotarian of the Day, introduced Captain Brad Pension who spoke about the 40th Annual Boys Haven Crawfish Music and Food Festival May 10th. Micah Leigh, Assistant Governor, Rotary District 5910, provided information about two upcoming District assemblies on April 26 in Livingston and May 10 in League City. Amanda Ellis reminded members to attend Rotary After Hours at Carrabba's April 24. President Michael Perez thanked Judge Branick for speaking, and encouraged members to take part in our Service Project on April 19 building 20 bunk beds at The H.O.W. Center, a non-profit sober living home for men.