Former state district judge and staunch child advocate returning to work in child welfare
(AUSTIN, Texas)–The Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP) Executive Director F. Scott McCown, a formidable champion of Texas children and families, announced today that he will be stepping down from his post at CPPP by August. He has accepted an offer to serve as a clinical professor and director of the Children’s Rights Clinic at U.T. Law School, teaching law students who are representing children in court in Child Protective Services cases.
“Being at CPPP has been a wonderful opportunity to help Texas children and families,” said McCown. “After more than ten years, though, it is time for new challenges for me and new leadership at CPPP.”
McCown retired as a state district judge in 2002 to become executive director of CPPP, responsible for the organization’s direction and administration. From his position as executive director, Texas Monthly named him one of the 25 most powerful people in Texas politics in 2005 and again in 2011.
“CPPP is doing very important work and playing a growing role in Texas policy, thanks to the work of Judge McCown, our staff, and supporters,” said Flora Brewer, chair of the CPPP Board of Directors. “While Scott leaves very big shoes to fill, the board is confident that the progress CPPP has made under his leadership will make serving as our next executive director a very attractive job. We anticipate a strong field of candidates.”
McCown is a nationally recognized expert on school finance and child welfare. Before coming to CPPP, he presided over all of Texas’ public school finance cases from 1990-2002 and thousands of child abuse cases.
“Scott was a brilliant judge and could have done anything he wanted in the field of law,” said Jack Martin, a longtime supporter and friend of organization, who was named as its 2010 Texas Legacy. “Instead, he has dedicated his life to fighting for the issues he cares about, such as equity in school funding, children’s health, and how our state allocates its resources.”
McCown is a member of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and an elected member of the American Law Institute. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, cum laude, from Texas Christian University in 1976, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence with honors from The University of Texas School of Law in 1979.
Over the last 10 years, CPPP has expanded its breadth and depth, making significant progress in improving public policy for low- and moderate-income Texas families. The staff of 12 in 2002 has grown to 25 in 2013, and the organization moved from a small house in East Austin to its new headquarters on the light rail in north central Austin.
“The staff is going to miss Judge McCown very much,” said Anne Dunkelberg, associate director of CPPP. “The center’s work has grown and strengthened tremendously under his leadership.”
CPPP’s Board of Directors will conduct a national search to recruit McCown’s successor. Interested candidates can check the center’s website for details as they are posted.
Facts About CPPP
- CPPP pursues its mission through independent research and policy analysis, public education, advocacy, coalition-building, and technical assistance.
- CPPP’s timely, accessible, and credible policy analysis—and our partnerships and coalitions—inform policy makers, opinion leaders, the press, and the Texas public.
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