New Chief Named for Texas Juvenile Justice Department

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department board on Friday appointed David Reilly as the agency's new executive director.

Reilly, 70, has served as the department's interim director since May 12. He will assume his permanent position on Oct. 1.

Reilly fills a vacancy originally left by Mike Griffiths. Griffiths left the agency last March, citing health reasons. The board initially named Linda Brooke as interim director, then Reilly. 

Prior to joining the department as interim director, Reilly served as the chief juvenile probation officer for Bexar County in San Antonio, directing that county's juvenile probation office for nearly 17 years.

“David is an innovator and widely respected in the juvenile justice field,” said Scott Fisher, the department's board chairman. “We are fortunate to have a person with his vision and dedication to public service to lead us in the coming years.”

Reilly began his career as a juvenile probation officer after graduating from St. Mary's University in San Antonio. He has worked more than four decades in the children and youth services field, including serving as regional director in San Antonio and Austin for Child Protective Services.