HHSC Names New Chief Counsel, Texas Medicaid Director

HHSC names key leadership appointments to lead the agency's Chief Counsel Division, and guide Texas Medicaid and CHIP Services.

Nycia Deal will serve as chief counsel for HHSC, effective Sept. 1, moving into the position previously held by Karen Ray. Deal will lead the team that provides counsel on issues affecting programs and operations across the HHS system, and will oversee the agency's appeals, ethics, privacy and civil rights divisions.

Since 2022, Deal has served as chief deputy counsel and led the HHS Legal Services Division. Deal previously served as the legal services policy director. She also practiced administrative law and health law at the Texas Medical Board and the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, and worked in private practice.

"Nycia's legal experience and institutional knowledge will be invaluable, and I am grateful for her deep understanding of the complex legal and policy issues that shape our work," said HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth. "I also want to thank Karen for her dedication to the state over the last 30 years. Her steady leadership and trusted counsel will be greatly missed."

Stephanie Stephens will step into the role of Chief Medicaid and CHIP Officer, also known as Texas State Medicaid director, effective Aug. 15. Stephens, who will succeed Emily Zalkovsky, will lead Medicaid and CHIP Services through the Sunset review and the legislative session while HHSC identifies a successor.

Stephens served as Texas State Medicaid director from 2020 to 2023. She joined HHSC in 2008 as a policy analyst and held several leadership roles, including deputy state Medicaid director, senior policy advisor, and policy director in eligibility services. Stephens recently led a consulting practice focused on health and human services strategy and analysis.

"Stephanie's deep Medicaid and CHIP expertise allows her to step in and provide impactful leadership. We are fortunate to have her experience and perspective," Muth said. "Emily has helped guide our state through complex Medicaid challenges, and the program and the state have benefitted from her vision and commitment for 17 years. I am grateful for her service."