Senior Director of Family Support and Advocacy
Liz joins SAFE after three years of consulting with local and statewide nonprofit organizations and a full career with the State of Texas. Liz retired from the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in 2014 after 27 years of service. In her last position as Associate Commissioner of Community Access and Services she was responsible for the development and oversight of eleven HHSC state and federal programs and initiatives for low-income Texans. The programs included 2-1-1 Information and Referral Network, Family Violence, SNAP-Education, Refugee Resettlement, Faith & Community Based Initiatives, Alternatives to Abortion, Computers for Learning, Regional Community Relations, Healthy Marriage Program, and the Community Partner Program.
Prior to her position as Associate Commissioner, she held several leadership positions within the HHS agencies and the Office of the Governor. She began her career as a contract manager for the Texas Department of Health, moved into grants/program management within the Governor’s Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs. From there, Ms. Garbutt became the Director of the Family Violence and Refugee Resettlement programs for 14 years, and after the HHS consolidation became the first Director of Contract Oversight and Support for the Department of Family and Protective Services. Throughout her career, Liz was able to plan direction, implement initiatives, inspire staff, provide oversight, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure continuos improvement, and program success.
Ms. Garbutt moved to Austin 44 years ago so her mother could go to the University of Texas, and Liz followed suit receiving a bachelor’s degree in business from UT. Liz enjoys live music, being active, cooking, traveling, and most of all, her family.
