Deputy Executive Commissioner, Regulatory Services Division

The Deputy Executive Commissioner (DEC) for the Regulatory Services Division at the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) provides strategic leadership and executive oversight of the Long-term Care Regulation, Health Care Regulation, Child Care Regulation, and Enforcement Programs. These programs are responsible for the licensure, inspection, investigation, and regulatory compliance of providers across the continuum of health and human services in Texas. The DEC ensures that regulatory operations are aligned with statutory requirements, agency priorities, and the goal of protecting the health, safety, and well-being of vulnerable Texans. 

The position reports to the Chief Policy and Regulatory Officer and serves as a key member of the agency’s leadership team. 

Essential Functions: 

Provide strategic direction and oversight to ensure the effective regulation of long-term care, health care, and child care providers statewide. 

Lead and manage a large, multi-disciplinary workforce, including regulatory program leaders and staff across regional and state office operations. 

Oversee the development and implementation of consistent policies, procedures, and performance measures across regulatory divisions. 

Ensure timely and thorough inspections, investigations, and surveys to assess compliance with state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. 

Direct the development and improvement of enforcement policies to ensure appropriate, consistent, and timely corrective actions. 

Promote a data-informed, risk-based approach to regulation that supports efficiency, transparency, and positive outcomes for regulated entities. 

Serve as a liaison to the Legislature, Governor’s Office, stakeholders, and other state and federal agencies on regulatory policy and performance. 

Ensure staff receive training and support to carry out complex regulatory functions effectively and ethically. 

Foster collaboration across HHSC divisions and with external stakeholders to support continuous quality improvement in regulatory services. 

Oversee budget development and resource allocation to ensure the effective and efficient use of public funds. 

Lead initiatives to reform regulations, ensuring they are efficient, transparent, and aligned with both legal requirements and evolving industry standards. 

Lead the development of new regulatory frameworks, working in collaboration with legal, industry experts, and key stakeholders to drive improvements in regulatory practices. 

Analyze existing backlogs in regulatory processes and identify root causes. Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to reduce backlogs, prioritizing high-impact cases and introducing process improvements such as automation and resource reallocation. 

Track key metrics and assess the effectiveness of implemented reforms. Regularly report progress to senior leadership and stakeholders. 

Knowledge of: 

State and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing the licensure and oversight of long-term care, health care, and child care providers. 

Principles and practices of public administration and large-scale regulatory operations. 

Legislative processes and public policy development. 

Quality improvement, risk management, and data-driven decision making. 

Enforcement mechanisms and administrative law applicable to regulatory compliance. 

Skill in: 

Executive leadership and managing complex organizations or large regulatory programs. 

Strategic planning, organizational development, and change management. 

Building effective teams and promoting a positive organizational culture. 

Communicating clearly and effectively with internal and external audiences, including testifying before legislative bodies. 

Analyzing data, trends, and performance metrics to guide decision-making and accountability. 

Ability to:  

Establish and articulate a clear vision for regulatory excellence and public protection. 

Collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including regulated entities, advocates, policymakers, and the public. 

Make sound decisions in high-pressure environments with competing priorities. 

Lead with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to public service. 

Adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes and proactively identify solutions to complex challenges. 

Initial Selection Requirements: 

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, Science, Regulatory Affairs, or related field. Experience managing large complex teams may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.  

Extensive experience in government or regulatory programs, including leadership positions with regulatory processes, compliance, enforcement, and working with government agencies.  

A background in managing large teams, particularly in regulatory or governmental settings.