UNM President Garnett S. Stokes has announced the appointment of Dr. Mike Richards as the Executive Vice President of UNM Health Sciences and CEO of the UNM Health System, effective immediately. This decision comes after Dr. Richards' successful tenure as interim leader since August 2024.
Sometimes we find ourselves in extraordinary circumstances, with an exceptional interim leader at the helm and significant momentum in embracing the challenges we face. Dr. Richards has demonstrated remarkable leadership and vision during his interim role and his 25-year career at UNM. This, coupled with his deep understanding of New Mexico's unique healthcare landscape, makes him the ideal person to lead the UNM Health Sciences Center. His appointment ensures continuity in leadership and builds upon the momentum he has already generated.
She went on to say that his appointment “will also foster greater collaboration and synergy across our entire university, benefiting our students, faculty, staff, and the communities we serve as One University.”
During his tenure at UNM, Dr. Richards has led several transformative initiatives, including a pivotal role in the creation and implementation of the New Mexico's Medical Advisory Team during the COVID-19 pandemic and was a catalyst for crucial Medicaid initiatives that increased annual funding for New Mexico hospitals by $1.6 billion. Richards emphasized that these accomplishments reflect the dedication and expertise of countless individuals across the University and state. "I am honored to continue serving UNM and the people of New Mexico in this capacity," he said. "Our focus remains on expanding our healthcare workforce, providing high-quality patient care, and advancing our education and research missions. These goals are only achievable through the collective efforts of our exceptional faculty, staff, students, and community partners. Together, we are committed to building a healthier future for all New Mexicans."
Richards emphasized the importance of collaboration in his new role. "We will continue to work closely with state partners, higher education institutions, and healthcare providers to develop and implement a statewide plan for increasing the healthcare workforce," he said. "This includes expanding our pathway programs, enhancing collaborations, and focusing on the well-being of our current workforce."
A long-time New Mexico resident and advocate, Dr. Richards enjoys strong support from the state’s healthcare community as he steps into this critical leadership role. Richards most recently served as Interim Executive Vice President of UNM Health Sciences. He has also served as Senior Vice President for Clinical Affairs, Interim Dean of the UNM School of Medicine, and professor and chair in the Emergency Medicine Department.
President Stokes added, " I appreciate the considerable community input I have received on Mike's leadership; it has been important in determining that Dr. Richards is the right choice for this position. His appointment aligns perfectly with our strategic goals of creating an inclusive and compassionate community while addressing our state's pressing healthcare challenges."