Commissioners nominate appointee to Central Health board

After months of interviews and applications, the Travis County Commissioners Court has nominated Cynthia Brinson to replace Abigail Aiken on the Central Health Board of Managers and continue a term through the end of 2024. Brinson has served as the special needs physician for the Travis County Corrections Complex since 1998 and founded the nonprofit sexual health KIND Clinic. Amit Motwani was nominated as the runner-up candidate. Commissioner Brigid Shea said that the three candidates were all “excellent,” but that Brinson’s medical expertise and experience providing care to underserved populations is essential knowledge for the board. Commissioner Jeff Travillion noted that Motwani was once a MAP recipient himself and that firsthand knowledge is “desperately needed to serve the community that it is designed to serve.” County staff told commissioners that their recommendations do not align with those of the city of Austin for this joint appointment. Therefore, staff will return before the court in two weeks with a recommendation for a final decision on the appointment.