Transforming Lives - The Newsletter of The Harris Center Issue 2 - Fall 2016 | Page 6

Daryl K. Knox, M.D. Named Chief Medical Officer of The Harris Center
Daryl K. Knox, M.D., was recently appointed the Chief Medical Officer of The Harris
Center. Having served as the Medical Director for the Comprehensive Psychiatric
Emergency Program at The Harris Center since 2006, Dr. Knox will now provide
medical and clinical leadership and supervision across all divisions of The Harris
Center while facilitating a consolidated medical approach to support the growing
needs and demands of a health care entity of its magnitude.
Dr. Knox currently serves as the President of the Texas Society of Psychiatric
Physicians, he is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association
and he holds memberships in the Houston Psychiatric Society and the Harris County
Medical Society. He earned his undergraduate degree in African American Studies
and Pre-Medicine from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and he holds a doctor
of medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine.

Tom Hamilton, Ph.D. - Celebrating a champion of The Harris Center
After 16 years of dedicated service,
Tom Hamilton, Ph.D., retired from The
Harris Center Board of Trustees on
September 30, 2016. During his tenure,
Dr. Hamilton served as both the Chair
of the Audit Committee and the Chair
of the Board of Trustees while helping
guide The Harris Center through a
period of significant progress toward
becoming a more financially secure
organization that is now an integral
part of the well-being of Harris County’s
residents.
During his last board meeting, Dr.
Hamilton was presented with a
proclamation from the Office of Harris
County Judge Ed Emmett as well as
other tokens of appreciation from his
fellow board members and the staff of
The Harris Center for being a champion
of all those in our community affected
by mental illness and/or intellectual
and developmental disabilities.

Letter from the Honorable Jon R. Keeney, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Harris Center
When I joined The Harris Center Board
of Trustees in July 2014, I did so because
I wanted the opportunity to serve Harris
County by helping to improve the lives
of those living with mental illness and/
or intellectual and developmental
disabilities. My goal is accomplished
through the work of The Harris Center’s
professional staff whose mission of
Transforming Lives creates a safe and
clear path through the confusion created
by mental health issues and enhanced
quality of life for those born with
developmental disorders. The bottom
line for the staff of The Harris Center is
to foster hope for every person in every
situation.
As the incoming Chair of the Board of
Trustees, I welcome the opportunity
to continue partnering with my
fellow board members, Harris County

Commissioners Court, community
leaders and the many stakeholders
who share the responsibility for doing
this complex work. I also honor Dr. Tom
Hamilton, my predecessor, for his 16
years of dedicated service and for his
mentorship during this past year. Dr.
Hamilton and the staff of The Harris
Center have accomplished much in those
16 years, including tremendous growth,
financial accountability and unparalleled
service delivery.
Our path forward in 2017 will be noted
for additional major changes, including a
nationwide search for retiring Executive
Director Dr. Steven Schnee, improving
client information sharing with all Harris
County service providers, enhancing
our relationship with all Harris County
agencies, continuing to build upon the
excellent and caring service provided by

the staff of The Harris Center and, finally,
celebrating the daily client successes
created by all dedicated service providers.
As we near the end of 2016 and begin
preparing for a season that encourages
both reflection and giving thanks, I
want to say how much I appreciate your
continued support of The Harris Center
and those we serve. I wish you and your
loved ones a joy filled holiday season,
and I invite you to continue involving
yourself in the rewarding work of The
Harris Center and our efforts to continue
Transforming Lives.
Sincerely,
Jon R. Keeney
Chairman, Board of Trustees