The City of Houston is turning the page to a bold new chapter in public health. Mayor John Whitmire has officially appointed Dr. Theresa Tran Carapucci, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.E.P., as the new Director of the Houston Health Department, following the retirement of longtime director Stephen Williams after 21 years of distinguished service.

Mayor Whitmire, never one to shy away from big expectations, summed it up best: “You have some huge shoes to fill, but I think you can take the health department to the next generation.”

And Houston agrees.

Dr. Tran is not only a board-certified emergency physician with more than a decade of frontline clinical experience, but also a respected health policy leader who has spent her career bridging the gap between patient care and systemic change.

At UTHealth Houston, where she served as Associate Vice President for Clinical Population Health and Advocacy and Assistant Dean at the UTHealth School of Public Health, Dr. Tran developed innovative strategies to improve health outcomes across diverse communities. She also brought her expertise to Harris Health, leading strategic initiatives that reshaped care for high-need patients.

Her résumé isn’t just impressive—it’s tailor-made for the challenges Houston faces. With chronic disease rates, environmental health concerns, and the ongoing need for equitable access to care, Dr. Tran brings the balance of medical expertise, community compassion, and policy innovation that public health demands in 2025 and beyond.

Mayor Whitmire underscored his optimism for the future:

“Dr. Tran’s leadership, experience, and vision make her the right choice to guide the Houston Health Department at this important time. Her background as both a physician and a health policy leader ensures that our city is prepared to address today’s challenges while building a healthier future for every Houstonian.”

In other words—expect results.

In her remarks to City Council, Dr. Tran struck a balance of humility and determination.

“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,” she said.

Acknowledging the current climate of skepticism toward public health institutions, Dr. Tran emphasized the need for trustworthy, evidence-based, and community-engaged health leadership. Her mantra: public health is not just about prevention—it’s a pillar of public safety.

Under Dr. Tran’s leadership, the Houston Health Department (HHD) will continue its critical mission: to promote and protect the health and social well-being of all Houstonians. HHD is already recognized nationwide as a full-service department accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, with programs that support low-income mothers and children, minority populations, seniors, and communities most in need.

With Dr. Tran at the helm, expect to see expanded community partnerships, groundbreaking reforms in health education, and renewed trust in science-based solutions to Houston’s health challenges.

Dr. Tran’s appointment isn’t just a passing of the torch—it’s a call to action. As Houston continues to grow as one of the nation’s most diverse cities, the health of its people remains the foundation of its progress. With her combination of medical excellence, policy expertise, and a heart for service, Dr. Tran is poised to guide the Houston Health Department into a new era—one built on equity, resilience, and community trust.

Houston Style Magazine readers, meet your new health leader: Dr. Theresa Tran. The city’s wellness just got a powerful new champion.