Governor Abbott Appoints Carson And Hellums To Health And Human Services Transition Legislative Oversight Committee
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Bonnie Hellums and Wayne Carson, Ph.D. to the Health and Human Services (HHS) Transition Legislative Oversight Committee for terms at the pleasure of the Governor. The Committee was created to make recommendations regarding the reorganization of HHS into a system that is more efficient and effective in client service delivery.
Bonnie Hellums of Houston is a visiting judge and previously served 20 years as judge of the 247th Family District Court in Harris County, and started a Family Drug Court and Infants and Toddlers Court for Harris County. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Houston Bar Association, and American Bar Association and a fellow of the American Psychotherapy Association and the Texas Bar Foundation. She is former member of the Supreme Court Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families and the Texas Office for the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities Board. Additionally, she is chair of Family and Protective Services Council and a board member of Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, DePelchin Children’s Center, Transformation Foundation, The Recovery Center, Behavioral Health for Children, Youth Development Center, and the Sobering Center. Hellums received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and religion from Southern Methodist University, a Master of Education in counseling and psychology, and a Juris Doctor degree from South Texas College of Law.
Wayne Carson, Ph.D. of Arlington is chief executive officer of ACH Child and Family Services in Fort Worth. He previously served as vice president of operations for a company, that performs risk management consultation and assessment for organizations serving children and vulnerable adults. He also served as an adjunct faculty at The University of Texas (UT) at Arlington, teaching masters level courses in the Graduate School of Social Work. He is board president of the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services and past chair of the Mental Health Connection of Tarrant County. Carson received a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla, a Master of Science in social work and a Doctorate of Philosophy in social work from UT Arlington.