PRESS RELEASE
Mayor Appoints Dr. Theresa Tran Carapucci As Interim Houston Health Department Director
Interim Director Combines Medical Expertise with Policy Innovation to Strengthen Health Outcomes Citywide
August 29, 2025 -- Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced the appointment of Theresa Tran Carapucci, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.E.P., as the new Director of the Houston Health Department. Dr. Tran’s appointment confirmation is on the Wednesday, Sept. 3, City Council agenda. She succeeds Stephen Williams who announced his retirement after 21 years of service to the Houston Health Department.
Dr. Tran is a board-certified, emergency physician with more than a decade of frontline clinical experience. She has built a distinguished career at the intersection of patient care, health policy and system management with a proven record of advancing initiatives that strengthen community health outcomes across diverse populations.
With this appointment, Mayor Whitmire expressed confidence in her ability to guide the department in addressing Houston’s most pressing health challenges, building stronger partnerships and ensuring equitable access to health services for all residents.
“Dr. Tran’s leadership, experience and vision make her the right choice to guide the Houston Health Department at this important time,” said Mayor John Whitmire. “Her background as both a physician and a health policy leader ensure that our city is prepared to address today’s challenges while building a healthier future for every Houstonian.”
Dr. Tran previously served as Associate Vice President at UTHealth Houston where she combined her medical expertise with innovative leadership in community engagement, health research, administration and education. Her work has contributed to the development of state and federal legislation and driven important reforms in health education.
"I am truly honored and grateful to Mayor Whitmire for his confidence in me to lead this department. With his support, I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team to serve our community with compassion, innovation, and excellence,” Dr. Tran said.