Hon. Theresa Daniel

Commissioner Daniel was appointed as Chair of the IT Governance Committee, is one of three members of the Dallas County Civil Service Board, and is Co-Chair of the Dallas County Behavioral Health Leadership Team. As an extension of addressing the mental health needs of Dallas County residents, the commissioner is spearheading an effort to develop transitional housing for special needs populations. Commissioner Daniel’s swearing in coincided with the start of the Texas 83rd Legislative Session. She has testified before committees on topics important to residents of Dallas County, such as the distribution of funds for emission control programs and increasing mental health funding. Other areas of interest are manifested through active membership on the Conference of Urban Counties (CUC) Public Policy committee, CUC-Meadows Foundation Statewide Mental Health Index Committee, as well as the National Association of Counties (NACO) Public Health Committee and Urban County Committee member. Commissioner Daniel is also active in an organization addressing local environmental interests affecting public health through the Clean Air Committee of North Texas.

Commissioner Daniel has extensive expertise in public affairs, economic development, housing, transportation, education, gerontology and local political thought.  Having obtained a Ph.D. in public policy and public administration, she has studied the theories of public administration. Dr. Daniel has been a social science researcher and involved in public organizations for over three decades, therefore, she also understands the practical side of public service. Professionally, she served as a U.S. Congressional staff member, worked with the American Red Cross and has focused on public education for seven years.  Prior to her election to Commissioners Court, Dr. Daniel worked with the Dallas Independent School District in program evaluation and accountability and was also adjunct professor of urban and public affairs at UT-Arlington.

Dr. Daniel has a long track record of community service with groups such as the League of Women Voters, LULAC and the NAACP, local neighborhood associations and civic organizations, and her local church and school. Dr. Daniel lives in the White Rock Lake area.