Omar Estrada
Environmental Director &
Health Inspector

Omar Estrada has served in public healthcare for ten years, the last four of which have been spent with ACCHD. He graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2017, and he holds an Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technology and a CPhT Certification from Angelina College. He’s also a graduate of Central High School, Class of 2002.

As the Environmental Director and Health Inspector, Omar is dedicated to safeguarding the health and safety of Angelina County residents. His department plays a pivotal role in overseeing a wide array of food establishments, from restaurants and food trucks to grocery stores, schools and group homes, as well as piercing shops, commercial lodging, swimming pools and spas. This oversight includes conducting plan reviews for new establishments, processing establishment applications, managing financial transactions related to fees and payments, responding to inquiries from the public, and preparing detailed health inspection reports. Additionally, they actively investigate reports of foodborne illnesses and address any complaints regarding health and safety standards at establishments within their jurisdiction.

Omar says everything ACCHD’s Environmental Health Department does is aimed at protecting the well-being of residents and their goal is to “foster a safe and healthy environment for the residents of Angelina County, empowering them with confidence in the establishments they frequent.” He adds, “There will inevitably be places that have violations, and that’s okay; it's part of our job to identify those issues and ensure your safety. After all, you can’t see what’s happening in the kitchen, and that’s where we come in. When we have to close an establishment, please know it’s not a decision we take lightly. We do it because your safety is our top priority.”

Veronica Byrd
Health Inspector

Veronica Byrd has dedicated much of her career to the nonprofit sector, driven by a deep passion for teaching and supporting others. While at Texas State University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Veronica joined a nonprofit swim team that gave underprivileged kids the opportunity to swim competitively. She says coaching those children was a transformative experience and sparked her desire to be of service to her community.

Veronica’s transition into public health came after engaging in prevention-focused work and education for at-risk teens and youth. As a Health Inspector for Angelina County & Cities Health District, she gets to continue focusing on prevention and education, now through safeguarding against foodborne illnesses and ensuring compliance with health regulations.

She says of this opportunity at ACCHD, “Health inspectors play a critical role in identifying hazards, conducting inspections, investigating complaints, and ensuring public safety. The investigative and problem-solving nature of this work is both challenging and rewarding, and I take pride in seeing the direct, positive impact it has on our community.”

Shelly Muro
Environmental Accounting Tech |
Billing & Purchasing

Shelly is the newest member of the environmental health team, celebrating her one-year anniversary with ACCHD in September 2024. She’s a graduate of Lufkin High School, and she holds an Associates of Business Administration from Angelina College.

As the Environmental Accounting Tech, Shelly handles a variety of tasks behind the scenes that keep the department running smoothly, including typing reports, correspondences, and other materials based on plain copies, rough drafts, and oral or written instructions. She also receives fees and maintains straightforward accounting records, while also organizing files and cross-referencing systems. On the public-facing side, Shelly provides the community with information regarding environmental services and topics, and she’s responsible for receiving and recording various types of environmental complaints from residents.

Shelly says this role provides a sense of fulfillment knowing she’s made a positive impact, whether for her coworkers or for the community. She recognizes that “the consistent growth of food service and other establishments create a necessity for compliance” and that by establishing and maintaining food safety standards, her department can ensure the safety of Angelina County residents.