Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young is set to retire at the beginning of the new year, Governor Greg Abbott's office announced. With a tenure that spans nearly four decades, Young's impact on the health and welfare of Texans has made her a notable figure in state government. According to a statement from the Governor's office, during her time as commissioner, she played a key role in stabilizing the agency's operations and workforce – a significant task given the complexity of health services in the state.
Young's accomplishments include securing a 10-year Medicaid 1115 Transformation Waiver extension, which has been a crucial element in supporting Texas' health care safety net. Under her stewardship, the state saw a redesign in payment programs aimed at expanding access and enhancing service quality. “Commissioner Young served Texas selflessly for almost four decades, and her lifelong dedication to improving the health and well-being of Texans is unmatched," Governor Abbott said. "She leaves a remarkable legacy. I thank her for her exceptional service to the State of Texas and to generations of Texans," as stated by the Office of the Texas Governor.
In the words of Commissioner Young herself, the opportunity to lead Texas HHS was a pinnacle of her professional journey. “I’m grateful to Governor Abbott for entrusting me to serve in this important role. It has truly been the highlight of my career," Young stated, as per the Office of the Texas Governor. Her dedication to the state is evident not only in her strategic reforms but also in the tangible improvements – such as the overhaul of the Medicaid managed care procurement process and broad enhancements in maternal health initiatives.
Additionally, Commissioner Young's tenure saw the development of the agency's first artificial intelligence policy, the expansion and renovation, including the construction of 11 state psychiatric hospitals. These endeavors have underscored Young's commitment to elevating the infrastructure that supports the mental health of Texans. Meanwhile, the work of HHSC and its pursuit of health care efficacy forges ahead into a new era. According to the official press release, “An announcement to fill the vacancy will be made at a later date.”
