The University of Texas System today announced the appointment of Dr. John Zerwas as executive vice chancellor for health affairs, just a day after Zerwas said he would retire from the Texas House of Representatives.
Zerwas currently chairs House Appropriations Committee, which oversees the writing of the state’s budget, and he has served in the Texas House for 12 years. He also chaired the Appropriations subcommittee for health and human services for six years. As vice chancellor for health affairs, he will oversee more than two-thirds of the UT System’s $19.5 billion annual budget, as well as about 100,000 faculty, health care professionals, researchers, and support staff.
He will take up the post October 1, succeeding Dr. Ray Greenberg, who stepped down in March.
In a statement announcing his retirement from the Texas House, Zerwas said, “I have served under three Speakers, and each of them gave me incredible opportunities to lead for which I am grateful. I am especially proud of the work we were able to accomplish this most recent session, and a lot of the success is due to the leadership of Speaker Dennis Bonnen.”
Bonnen responded with praise of his own for Zerwas, saying that he would be missed in the Texas House. “In his 12 years of public service, John Zerwas has developed a distinguished record of serving his constituents and our state with principle, poise, and an unwavering commitment to statesmanship… his incredible contributions will not soon be forgotten.”
Zerwas’ resignation is likely to result in a special election to fill his seat, House District 28, which encompasses northwestern Fort Bend County.
In addition to his political experience, Zerwas has had a long career in medicine and health care administration. He formerly ran his own medical practice and he served as chief medical officer at the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in Houston from 2003 until 2007. Following his election to the Texas House in 2006, Zerwas moved to a new position within Memorial Hermann as chief physician integration officer. In 2012 he served as president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
“Dr. Zerwas understands our health enterprise and the needs of Texas, and he will bring his experience from many perspectives to benefit our health institutions and our state,” said UT System Chancellor James Milliken. “His leadership experience includes ensuring quality care, building physician networks and adapting to rapidly evolving changes in health care economics and policy.”
Photo by Texas Tribune via Creative Commons. Image Cropped.
