Thomas M. Suehs has over 40 years’ experience in health care and human services public policy. Mr. Suehs experiences encompassed a sound mix of both Public and Private sector.  Public sector- Mr. Suehs was appointed Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner on September 1, 2009, by Governor Rick Perry. Mr. Suehs served in this capacity until he retired from State government service on August 31, 2012. As chief executive of the Texas Health and Human Services agencies, Mr. Suehs provided leadership and strategic direction to the health and human services system in Texas. The Executive Commissioner oversees the operations of the five health and human services agencies, including more than 57,000 employees and combined annual budgets of $30 billion, serving more than 3.8 million Texans.

 

​Suehs served as Deputy Executive Commissioner for financial services at HHSC from 2003 until his appointment as executive commissioner. His responsibilities included providing administrative leadership, oversight and direction for the financial management of the state’s five health and human services agencies. He also served as the Deputy Commissioner of the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation and Associate Commissioner of the Texas Department of Human Services.

 

Private Sector-Mr. Suehs is a former Executive Director of the Texas Health Care Association (1989 to 1999) and past president of the American Society of State Health Care Executives. Mr. Suehs was a private consultant in the health care policy and financial sector from 1999 to 2003. For more than 20 years   Mr. Suehs has been on the board of directors of an international humanitarian aid organization.

 

​This unique mix of private, public sector and international aid experience in health and human services management, finance, and public policy offers a unique perspective.

 Mr. Suehs has a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas and a Bachelor’s degree from Texas State University.

 Awards received by Thomas Suehs include:

 

• Texas Monthly Magazine- “Power Company”-identified as one of the most influential people determining the fate of Texas.

 

• Texas Health Care Association – “Better Life Award” recognition for improving services to the Citizens of the state who are aged and disabled.

 

• ​Texas Food Bank Network – “Eddie Garcia Partnership Award” recognition for efforts to fight hunger in the state.

 

• ​Texas Children Hospital Association of Texas – “Golden Bootie Award” recognition for Leadership and commitment to cover uninsured children through eligibility system improvements.

 

• ​Texas Public Employee Association of Texas – “Administrator of the Year” for recognition in improving the staffing and working conditions of   Health and Human Services employees.

 

• ​Texas Academy of Family Physicians – “Patient Advocacy Award” – recognized for his tireless efforts to improve the health of Texans.