Perry taps ex-lawmaker to head HHSC

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Gov. Rick Perry on Monday appointed former state Sen. Kyle Janek to head the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

The agency oversees five health and human services agencies, including more than 55,000 employees, combined annual budgets of more than $30 billion, and the state's Medicaid program.

He also named veteran state employee Chris Traylor the agency's deputy commissioner. Both appointments are effective in September.

"Texas, like the rest of the country, is headed into a period of the most significant changes in health care in our history," Gov. Perry said.  "This new leadership team, with Kyle and Chris at the helm, combines unparalleled experience and expertise to ensure Texans continue to have access to the health care they need while implementing fiscal policies that are mindful that it's taxpayer money they are spending."

Janek, a Republican, represented a suburban area around Houston in the Texas House from 1995 to 2003 andin the state Senate from 2003 until 2008. Since leaving the Legislature, Janek has also worked a lobbyist representing a medical malpractice insurance interests and the American Cancer Society.

He is an anesthesiologist and director of anesthesia services at Lakeway Regional Medical Center.

Traylor served as commissioner of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services since 2010.