Turner to tap Patman as new Metro chair

Before his press conference, Mayor SylvesterTurner looks at the pothole he would repair at 9733 Neuens Road, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, in Houston. The program also included the debut of a new website for tracking pothole repair progress, and a new customer service plan that includes electronic or phone outreach to each individual who reports a pothole. less Before his press conference, Mayor SylvesterTurner looks at the pothole he would repair at 9733 Neuens Road, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, in Houston. The program also included the debut of a new website for ... more Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Turner to tap Patman as new Metro chair 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

Former Metro board member Carrin Patman is returning to the transit agency as Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner's choice for chairwoman, according to an email sent from the mayor's office to City Council members on Friday.

Turner is set to announce the new Metro board chair at 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

Patman, 59, will replace chairman Gilbert Garcia. She is a partner at Houston-based law firm Bracewell LLP, where she has defended major corporate clients in various fraud and breach of contract claims. She served on the Metropolitan Transit Authority board from April 2010 until December 2013, when she resigned to attend a fellowship program at Harvard University.

Board members are limited to four, two-year terms for a maximum of eight years. Patman's previous service means she is eligible to serve four years.

Turner has the option of replacing four other Metro board members — Christof Spieler, Diann Lewter, Barron Wallace and Sanjay Ramabhadran — or retaining them. Mayors typically replace all the appointments.