Urias-Sandoval named Chief of Staff for Health Sciences EVP/CEO

Gina Urias-Sandoval, who has held key administrative roles at The University of New Mexico, will become chief of staff for Douglas Ziedonis, MD, MPH, executive vice president for Health Sciences and CEO of the UNM Health System.

Urias-Sandoval comes to her new role from the UNM Anderson School of Management, where she most recently served as the executive director of the Executive and Professional Education Center. She oversaw graduate programs and non-credit professional development training programs, and most recently was placed in charge of the school’s corporate and community engagement.      

“I am confident Gina is a perfect match for the job and I am excited to work together,” said Ziedonis, who started at the university in December 2020. “I’m very impressed with Gina’s creativity, can-do attitude and commitment to UNM and our communities. I know she will provide outstanding leadership and support to all in the HSC.”

The appointment brings Urias-Sandoval full circle. She started her career at the Health Sciences Center in 1999 and through the years worked in the UNM College of Nursing and on Main Campus as part of the Robert Wood Johnson Center for Health Policy, and as a research program specialist in Family & Community Medicine. She has also held other positions within the UNM School of Medicine.

“I look forward to this new role,” said Urias-Sandoval, who will start her new position on June 21.” I think it is an opportunity to contribute to the growth of the programs and initiatives out of the UNMHSC.”

Although she was born and raised in Texas, she considers New Mexico her home. She is a UNM alumna, having completed her bachelor’s degree and an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from Anderson.

Urias-Sandoval has serves on several campus-wide committees and is a longtime member of the UNM Staff Council. “One of my passions is mentoring students and being involved with first generation students, particularly young Latinas,” she said.

Her wide experience across the university will be an asset, Ziedonis said. “Gina is well respected and recognized in our communities. Her deep connections to business and diverse community groups in our state will help continue to strengthen the HSC’s work in these areas.”