Barbie Robinson, the executive director of Harris County Public Health, has been "relieved of duty" amid scrutiny over the administration of county programs and her alleged private consultancy for a third-party entity while on the county's payroll, as reported by FOX 26 Houston. Appointed in May 2021, Robinson is also linked to a controversial $6 million contract between Harris County and a California company, DEMA Consulting & Management, raising alarm over potential conflicts of interest.
Notably, Robinson transitioned to her Houston role from Sonoma County, California, which coincidentally is where DEMA was founded and subsequently chosen to manage two vaccination sites in Pasadena and Aldine, despite Harris Center, a state mental health agency, submitting a lower bid for a 911 diversion program, they did not acquire the contract, which was awarded to DEMA, according to ABC13 in partnership with the Houston Chronicle. This deal's timing and Robinson's prior ties have prompted concerns over an insider arrangement, particularly following the revelation of emails suggesting precognition by DEMA regarding the contract's award.
Former Harris Center Director Shaukat Zakaria expressed his dismay to ABC13 by stating, "It was odd that a for-profit agency was awarded the contract over a county agency they controlled. We were all stunned when the email came out that the contract had been awarded, even though it hadn't. It was our first clue that something was going on. That was one of the reasons I decided to resign after working on the board for eight years." Robinson has denied any wrongdoing, reiterating her shock at DEMA's confidence and asserting no advance notice was given to them about the contract.
County officials are taking steps to address these issues, with Commissioner Tom Ramsey expressing his long-standing skepticism towards DEMA's involvement, highlighting Sonoma County's earlier concerns over DEMA which affirmed his reticence in endorsing dealings with the company; moreover, Judge Lina Hidalgo emphasized the importance of procurement reform in the shadow of the DEMA situation, as her statement points to progress made in April toward ethical procedure and transparency in Harris County contract awards, according to ABC13. The district attorney's office has remained mum on whether an investigation into the controversial contract is in progress, maintaining a policy of silence until formal charges are furnished.
