Kerry McCracken

As Executive Director of The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC), Kerry McCracken oversees the day-to-day operations of The CAC, partner relations, community education and outreach, and development.

Prior to joining The CAC, McCracken practiced law in Harris County, Texas for 24 years. After receiving her J.D. from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 1994, she worked at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, where she tried over 40 misdemeanor and felony jury trials.

McCracken then worked for several years as a criminal defense attorney, where she learned from her clients the impact sexual abuse victimization can have on their mental health and their behavior, especially if their abuse is never disclosed or addressed. Despite nearly three decades practicing law, McCracken joined The CAC because it was a chance for her to reduce the possibility that they would later become involved with the criminal justice system (or suffer other negative outcomes), as many of the unfortunate people she represented faced due to lack of opportunity to receive help for a childhood trauma.

At The CAC, McCracken works closely with members of the Multidisciplinary Team including law enforcement, Child Protective Services, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office and Texas Children’s Hospital to create a safe, friendly environment for the healing of sexually abused children and their families. McCracken instills a culture of education and training in hopes of preventing child sexual abuse. In her time, she has doubled their training department.

As a leader, McCracken has demonstrated the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Her philosophy is work-life balance is not only key to your own success, but it must be demonstrated to your staff. Not only does it allow them to take time off without fear of disapproval, but it gives them the ability to learn and grow in your absence and shows them that you trust them.

McCracken was born at Andrews Airforce Base in Clinton, Md, and she grew up in Lake Jackson, Tx. Her father was an Airforce Two pilot, having flown for former Vice Presidents Hubert Humphrey and Lyndon B. Johnson, and her mother was a graduate from Rice University. She has been happily married to her husband, Mark, for 26 years. They are parents of one dog and two cats. In their free time, they enjoy traveling, seeing concerts and sporting events, are avid fans of the Astros, and enjoy exploring dining options.