Last week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed Stephanie Muth as the new commissioner of the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (TxDFPS). This comes after the previous commissioner faced failures in leading TxDFPS. The previous commissioner left office with TxDFPS having to resolve abuses and crimes that occurred to those the system is supposed to protect, under her watch.

Muth is a 20-year veteran of the Texas government. According to the Governor’s Website and Muth’s private practice, “After beginning her state career in the Texas Legislature, she held senior executive level positions in health and human services departments for more than fifteen years, including serving as a director of external relations, chief of staff, deputy over social services eligibility, and…as Texas’ State Medicaid Director.”

Other accomplishments listed in both websites show that Muth modernized Texas’ Medicaid program, increased the number of online Medicaid applications to over 70%, and provided more efficient accessibility to Texans while reducing costs. Also, Muth has led reorganizing efforts in the HHS department that led to an increase of 4000+ jobs and 120 new programs. 

“As a recognized administrator and organizational leader, Stephanie will contribute her deep understanding of agency operations and increased accountability to strengthen the efforts of this critical agency,” stated Governor Greg Abbott.