ABQ Times

To advance the mission of fostering an 'educated, healthy, and economically vigorous' New Mexico, Garnett Stokes, President of The University of New Mexico (UNM), has appointed Mike Richards, MD, MPA to the role of Interim Executive Vice President of UNM Health Sciences and Chief Executive Officer of the UNM Health System.

"In his 25-year tenure at UNM, Dr. Mike Richards has proven to be an exceptional professor and mentor for our students, a dynamic physician for our patients, and an effective leader carrying out the Health Sciences Center’s missions," said Stokes. "Mike has all my confidence that he will successfully lead the way accelerating our key strategic missions of expanding New Mexico’s health care workforce and providing safe, high-quality patient care. In addition, he understands the importance and impact of our education and research in serving New Mexico as the state’s premier R1 university."

Richards has been a transformative leader for the University and health care in New Mexico, spearheading some of the health system's most impactful initiatives. His efforts have laid the foundation for ongoing clinical growth and clinical partnerships, helping to make the state healthier and safer. As a statewide leader, Richards led the creation of New Mexico’s Medical Advisory Team (MAT) during the COVID-19 pandemic and played a crucial role in partnering with health care leadership to implement transformational Medicaid initiatives, including the recent Health Care Access Act which increased Medicaid funding for New Mexico hospitals by $1.6 billion annually.

"I’m honored President Stokes’ has entrusted me to lead our incredible organization," Richards said. "Our students, faculty, staff, providers, residents, and fellows are all working toward a healthier New Mexico. The opportunity to lead our missions to train and educate health care professionals, expand critical health care services, and deliver quality safe high-level clinical care is humbling."

Richards most recently served as Senior Vice President for Clinical Affairs. He has served as Interim Executive Vice President of UNM Health Sciences; Interim Dean of the UNM School of Medicine; and as a professor in the Emergency Medicine Department.

This appointment took effect on August 27th 2024 replacing Douglas Ziedonis MD MPH who is on professional leave until his appointment concludes on December 10th 2024.

"I am deeply appreciative of Dr. Ziedonis’ dedication and contributions over the past three-and-a-half years," Stokes said. "His work building crucial partnerships hiring excellent deans VPs will have a lasting impact on UNM Transitioning leadership can be challenging but I am optimistic that this change will bring stability renewed energy focus to our mission."

The UNM Health Sciences Center comprises academic research clinical missions powering New Mexico’s healthcare workforce It includes School Medicine College Nursing College Pharmacy College Population Health Project ECHO Office HSC Research The UNM Health System includes Hospital Sandoval Regional Medical Center – A Campus Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center Medical Group Inc