Gov. Perry names Tom Suehs executive commissioner of Health and Human Services

Gov. Rick Perry has selected Thomas Suehs of Austin to be the next Texas health and human services executive commissioner. The appointment is effective Sept. 1.

“Whether managing the monumental reorganization of Texas’ health and human services system beginning in 2003, or helping to coordinate the sheltering of special needs evacuees from hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike, Texas has successfully taken on these enormous challenges, thanks to the outstanding leadership of Albert Hawkins as commissioner of Health and Human Services, and I thank him for his years of service to the state,” Gov. Perry said.
 
“As we move forward, I am confident that Tom will continue the trend of outstanding health and human services vision and expertise, and I am proud to welcome him to his new role as commissioner.”

Suehs has served as deputy executive commissioner for financial services at HHSC since 2003. His responsibilities include providing administrative leadership, oversight and direction for the financial management of the five health and human services agencies.

“I’m grateful to Gov. Perry for the opportunity to serve in such an important role, and I look forward to working with state leaders to meet the social service needs of Texans,” Suehs said. “I’m proud of the people I work with here at our health and human services agencies. We have some of the state’s biggest challenges, but we also have the most dedicated and compassionate employees in the state.”

Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins, who retires Aug. 31, praised the selection.
“Tom is a knowledgeable and skilled veteran of state government,” Hawkins said. “He has expertise in working with large systems and complex programs. He certainly has the experience to lead our health and human services agencies. He also has the heart. I’m proud to have him as a colleague and a friend, and I know he will be a strong and effective leader.”

Suehs also has served as the deputy commissioner of the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. He is a former executive director of the Texas Health Care Association, past president of the American Society of State Health Care Executives and former special adviser to the Texas Indigent Health Care Task Force.

He received a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas.