Travis County is hosting a virtual meet-and-greet tomorrow from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to present the final three candidates for the new Health and Human Services county executive position. Juan Duarte is currently the executive director for the Office of Children and Youth in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; Lawrence Lyman works with county HHS as director of research and planning; and Pilar Sanchez is the vice president of housing and community development for the Housing Authority of the City of Austin.
Sherri Fleming, the current county executive for HHS, will be retiring in February.
The three candidates will answer questions from a moderator, in addition to taking questions submitted by community members.
“Our next county executive for Health and Human Services will help the Commissioners Court deliver solutions to some of the most important and complex issues facing our community, including improving access to mental and behavioral health services and safe, stable housing,” County Judge Andy Brown said.
“That’s why, for the first time in Travis County history, this court approved a transparent process with public engagement to ensure the community’s voice will be heard in the court’s consideration of this important role. I encourage our community to participate in this meet-and-greet and provide us with feedback as we prepare to select a new leader for Travis County’s Health and Human Services Department.”
Email your questions in advance to publicforum@traviscountytx.gov or submit them through the Travis County website before 3 p.m. today. The Zoom link for the meeting is available here.
Editor’s Note: Andy Brown is on the board of the Capital of Texas Media Foundation, the parent nonprofit of the Austin Monitor.
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Travis County Commissioners Court: The legislative body for Travis County. It includes representatives from the four Travis County Precincts, as well as the County Judge. The County Judge serves as the chair of the Court.
