Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Stephanie Muth as the new Executive Commissioner of Texas Health and Human Services (HHS), with her term beginning January 3, 2026. Muth will succeed the current HHS Commissioner, who is retiring, and will serve until February 1, 2027.
Muth brings more than 25 years of experience in Texas state government, much of it at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Her previous roles include Chief of Staff to the Executive Commissioner, State Medicaid Director, Deputy Executive Commissioner for both the Transformation Division and Office of Social Services, and Associate Commissioner for Consumer and External Affairs.
In his announcement, Governor Abbott said: “Stephanie Muth is a dedicated public servant who brings over 25 years of experience working in state government and at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Having served exceptionally as Commissioner of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Stephanie will continue to execute the critical mission of HHSC and ensure the long-term success​ of the state’s essential health programs. I am confident that Stephanie will lead the Commission with integrity and ensure Texans receive the high-quality care and support they need to thrive.”
Muth is based in Austin and specializes in health and human services policy, design, and operations. She currently leads Stephanie Muth Consulting and serves as a senior fellow with Meadow’s Mental Health Policy Institute. Previously she was Commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services. Her career includes modernizing Texas’ eligibility system for benefits programs and managing a large-scale reorganization within health services.
As State Medicaid Director at HHSC, she oversaw operational and policy matters for a healthcare delivery system serving over four million Texans. Muth holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Florida and a Master’s degree in Public Affairs from The University of Texas at Austin’s LBJ School.
