A leadership transition at Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) will see former Department of Family and Protective Services Commissioner Stephanie Muth succeed Cecile Erwin Young, who is retiring after decades in public service.
Young, who has led HHS since 2020, will step down Jan. 2. Gov. Greg Abbott praised her “lifelong dedication to improving the health and well-being of Texans” and highlighted her impact on stabilizing agency operations, improving transparency and overhauling key regulatory and Medicaid systems.
Under Young’s leadership, HHS secured a 10-year federal Medicaid 1115 waiver extension, redesigned supplemental payment programs and implemented maternal health initiatives. She also directed the agency’s first artificial intelligence policy and oversaw renovations and construction at 11 state psychiatric hospitals.
Her contributions were recognized in 2023 when she received the Bob Bullock Award for Outstanding Public Stewardship during the Texas Digital Government Summit*. The award honors state executives for leadership, innovation and a career exemplifying dedication to public service.
Muth will take over as executive commissioner on Jan. 3, with her term set to run through Feb. 1, 2027. She brings more than 25 years of experience in Texas state government, including senior roles at HHS such as state Medicaid director, deputy executive commissioner and chief of staff to the executive commissioner.
Most recently, Muth served as commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services, where she led efforts to reduce turnover, expand Community-Based Care and improve placements for children with behavioral health needs.
Abbott called her a “dedicated public servant” in the announcement of her appointment and expressed confidence in her ability to guide HHS’ mission and strengthen the state’s health and human services delivery system.
Muth holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida and a master’s in public affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.
*The Texas Digital Government Summit is hosted by Government Technology, part of e.Republic, Industry Insider — Texas' parent company.
Muth to Succeed Young as Head of Texas Health Agency
What to Know:
- Stephanie Muth will become executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on Jan. 3, succeeding Cecile Erwin Young.
- Muth previously led the Department of Family and Protective Services and held multiple senior positions at HHSC.
