Office of the Executive Vice President for HSC and CEO of the UNM Health System

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

Dr. Mike 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 our state healthier and safer. As a statewide leader, Dr. Richards led the creation of New Mexico’s Medical Advisory Team during COVID-19 and played a crucial role in partnering with health care leadership to implement transformative Medicaid initiatives, including the recent Health Care Access Act, which increased Medicaid funding for New Mexico hospitals by $1.6 billion annually. In his 25-year tenure at UNM, Dr. 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.

Dr. Richards has a background as both an administrator and physician, having 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 and former chair of the Emergency Medicine Department as well as former Chief of Staff at UNM Hospital.

Richards received his medical training at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and a master of public administration at the University of North Carolina. He completed his internship and residency in emergency medicine at UNM.

This appointment, which took effect August 27, 2024, replaces, Douglas Ziedonis, MD, MPH. Ziedonis is on professional leave until his appointment concludes on December 10, 2024. 

Michael Richards, MD, MPA
Dr. Richards’ Bio