The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) has appointed Daniel
Avitia as the organization’s executive director. He joined TxDMV in 2014
as the director of the Motor Vehicle Division and started serving as the
interim executive director in February 2022. TADA recently spoke with
Daniel about his life, new position and other subjects.
Daniel Avitia grew up in the West Texas town of El Paso. He has two brothers, and his family life growing up was steady, supportive and very lowkey. Daniel held multiple leadership roles during high school, serving as a vice president in the student council and for the student body.
Daniel married “an amazing woman named Patricia,” he said. Daniel has five children, three young men and two daughters, between the ages of two-and-a-half and 21. They also have two dogs. “I’ve always had dogs, and I always
will. Patricia’s dog is a Boston terrier. Mine is a Labrador, Dalmatian and Husky mix with the energy of a Husky,” said Daniel. “I wish I’d had her when I was a runner.”
Daniel planned to become a lawyer, so he earned a B.A. with a concentration in pre-law and went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration. He began at the University of Texas at El Paso and completed his education at the University of Texas at Austin. Upon learning that his first child was on the way, he decided not to attend law school. Instead, Daniel focused on a master’s degree part time. This choice allowed Daniel to work full time and continue his education.
He has now served in state government for more than 25 years. “I saw the huge potential of serving in state government because of the opportunity to help stakeholders and causes,” said Daniel. “I’ve made a positive difference in the lives of others, and the government has given me many opportunities to have a direct, positive impact throughout the state. Because of my work, I feel personal satisfaction and achievement.”
Before working at TxDMV, Daniel held leadership roles in organizations such as the University of Texas at El Paso, the Department of Assisted and Rehabilitative Services, Health and Human Services, and the Department of Agriculture. He particularly enjoyed his work at the University of Texas at El Paso. Daniel was involved in several transformational projects there, such as preparing the Sun Bowl Stadium for soccer games by cutting out the corners to comply with size requirements, securing funding and a contractor for a new campus bookstore and modernizing classrooms.
Daniel became interested in working at TxDMV because he always had a passion for automobiles and the motor vehicle industry. During the 1970s, he played with Hot Wheels and had two hot-wheel cities that his children have also played with. As a teenager, he watched automotive shows to see new technologies and learn more about the automotive industry. Joining the executive team at TxDMV was a dream job for Daniel because of the way TxDMV supports the motor vehicle industry.
Daniel’s professional life has been a fulfilling one. His tenure with the state has allowed him to learn about many different aspects of higher education, health, agriculture and the motor vehicle industry. His leadership opportunities have taught him how to provide vision, strategic and critical thinking, authenticity, self-awareness, flexibility and open-mindedness within his role at TxDMV. He knows how to be accountable and dependable for department staff, the TxDMV board, the stakeholders and the customers being served.
“I’ve made a positive difference in the lives of others, and the government has given me many opportunities to have a direct, positive impact throughout the state. Because of my work, I feel personal satisfaction and achievement.”
Since Daniel joined the TxDMV in 2014, he has had challenges, opportunities and accomplishments in each position. As the director of the Motor Vehicle Division, starting in 2014, Daniel streamlined operations and directed the implementation of a paperless licensure system. He also built relationships with stakeholders.
In 2020, as the deputy executive director, the role was very different. Daniel oversaw the administrative functions of
the agency. He worked hard in that capacity to improve customer service and focus on stakeholder relationships and other relationships within the agency’s purview.
As the interim director starting in February 2022, Daniel worked with the staff and board to identify and implement security features and prevent temp tag fraud. He also started to rebuild and focus on stakeholder relationships.
If you look at Daniel’s career, it seems as though he planned it, but that’s misleading. “I didn’t plan anything,” said Daniel. “A lot of the opportunities I’ve had were because of serendipity, and when they arrived, I tried to do my best every day in every leadership position. I didn’t expect to become the executive director in May 2022, but I welcome leading the amazing TxDMV department.”
Daniel’s new position does not have a set term. The board will determine the length of Daniel’s tenure. However, he sees a lot of work that needs to be done to move the department forward. He will continue to work toward improving operations, building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, and allocating state resources efficiently.
Daniel sees two serious issues facing dealers in the next five years. The first one involves customer expectations about vehicle purchases. Customers have high standards about what they expect, and dealers should be responsive to that. However, he thinks dealers are up for the task. “I am glad to say that every experience I have had when buying a vehicle from a Texas franchised dealer has been nothing short of amazing,” he said.
The second issue or challenge is inventory. “It pains me to see franchised dealer lots with very few cars,” said Daniel. “I understand the challenges the franchised dealers are going through to get vehicles, but I hope the problems won’t last five years. Again, it pains me to see so few cars on lots.”
Daniel hopes TADA members will be engaged with TxDMV and feel comfortable voicing their thoughts, ideas and concerns, either with staff or through the association. “We are working hard to be aligned with stakeholders’ needs, but we need to hear from them to learn about their problems and potential solutions,” said Daniel.
Daniel has learned important lessons during his career about working within government. “Having a positive outlook is a big help when it comes to being successful,” said Daniel. “My work in state government always comes with opportunities and challenges, but you can achieve anything if you are focused, have an open mind, and keep your feet grounded. Every time I speak with someone or take on a new project, the relationships I build are a chance for growth. Even more important than that, though, are the opportunities to have a positive impact on the people around me.”
When asked what Daniel wants dealers to remember from this article, he said, “I think franchised dealers throughout the state are amazing. They are a tremendous presence in our state and are vital to the economy. I have thoroughly enjoyed building relationships with many of them throughout my tenure at TxDMV. Many of them have my personal phone number and reach out often. I hope that will continue. I enjoy visiting with them, and I will work hard to continue existing relationships and build more. Finally, I am here to help and support them in any way I can. I have enjoyed partnering with TADA for eight-and-a-half years; I have a great relationship with TADA’s leaders and the franchise dealerships, and I want to continue those relationships as executive director.”
