Robert Lerma

Robert Lerma, MS, has ten years of experience in public safety and 16 years of experience in mental health.

Prior to joining the Institute, Robert was Chief Executive Officer with Austin Lakes Hospital and Canyon Creek Behavioral Health, both inpatient psychiatric facilities operated by Universal Health Services. In his role at the Meadows Institute, Robert serves as Chief of Staff for Health and Public Safety, providing subject matter expertise, client engagement, and working with the team to continue to expand the Institute’s public safety portfolio and advance our mission while fulfilling commitments to the Meadows Institute’s staff, partners, funders, and key stakeholders.

Robert has a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and previously served as a police officer in California, continuity of care and reentry specialist for vulnerable and high care need individuals at the Texas Department of Public Safety, and provided mental health counseling at the Travis County jail. Robert has also served as CEO of two area psychiatric hospitals and COO of one area bourbon distillery, and is a published professional photographer and writer specializing in food, spirits, and hospitality.