August 6, 2012

Gov. Perry Names Kyle Janek Executive Commissioner,
Chris Traylor Chief Deputy Commissioner

Gov. Rick Perry has selected Dr. Kyle Janek of Austin to be the next Texas Health and Human Services executive commissioner, effective Sept. 1. Janek will succeed Tom Suehs, who is retiring Aug. 31. Perry also has selected DADS Commissioner Chris Traylor to serve as chief deputy commissioner.

Janek is a board-certified anesthesiologist and director of anesthesia services at Lakeway Regional Medical Center. He is a past member of the Texas Legislature, serving in the House of Representatives and Senate from 1995 to 2008. He received a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and then obtained his medical degree and completed his residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. 

“I want to thank Gov. Perry for the trust he’s put in me,” Janek said. “I also want to thank Tom Suehs. He taught me much of what I know about health and human services in Texas. He’ll be a tough act to follow.”

“I’ve known Kyle and Chris for years,” Suehs said. “I’m confident their combination of talent and acumen will serve our health and human services agencies well. The citizens who depend on us for services will be in good hands.”

Traylor previously was associate commissioner for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, chief of staff and deputy commissioner of governmental relations at HHSC. In 2004, he helped oversee the consolidation of the 15 health and human services agencies into the current five. Traylor received a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University. 

“I’m excited to accept this new opportunity and look forward to working closely with Dr. Janek on a range of issues that are so important to the Texans we serve,” Traylor said. “I’m also grateful for my tenure at DADS. Working with the hardworking, dedicated people at both of these agencies is truly an honor.”

Read more about Janek and Traylor on the appointments page of the Office of the Governor website.