Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Stephanie Muth as the next Executive Commissioner of Texas Health and Human Services (HHS), effective January 3, 2026. Muth will take over the role following the retirement of the current commissioner, with her term set to expire on February 1, 2027.
Muth has held several senior executive positions at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), including Chief of Staff to the Executive Commissioner, State Medicaid Director, Deputy Executive Commissioner for the Transformation Division, Deputy Executive Commissioner for the Office of Social Services, and Associate Commissioner for Consumer and External Affairs.
In a statement announcing the appointment, 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 specializes in health and human services policy, design, and operations. She is principal of Stephanie Muth Consulting and serves as a senior fellow with Meadow’s Mental Health Policy Institute. Her previous roles include serving as Commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services. Over her career spanning more than 25 years in Texas state government—including work in both legislative and executive branches—she has led modernization efforts for eligibility systems and overseen major reorganizations within health services programs. As State Medicaid Director, she managed both operational and policy aspects for a healthcare delivery system serving over four million Texans.
Muth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Florida and a Master of Public Affairs from The LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin.
