Molly Lester is the deputy chief program and services officer for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. As deputy CPSO, Lester oversees business operations, policy and program coordination, and client service programs — including SNAP, WIC, behavioral health, maternal and child health, services for older adults, people with disabilities and veterans, and the Health and Specialty Care system.
Lester began her career in state government in 2007 at the legacy Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) before briefly leaving to work in government relations for a nonprofit advocacy association. She’s held various policy, government relations, senior adviser and policy director roles at DADS and HHSC.
Lester has a Bachelor of Arts in American government and politics and a Bachelor of Science in communication studies from The University of Texas at Austin. She earned a Master of Science in international politics from American University.