ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The University of New Mexico (UNM) has announced a new executive leader for the Health Sciences Center.
UNM President Garnett Stokes has appointed Mike Richards, MD, MPA to take over as the interim executive vice president of UNM Health Sciences and chief executive of 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.”
Richards is replacing Douglas Ziedonis, MDC, MPH, whose official appointment ends on December 10, 2024.
“I am deeply appreciative of Dr. Ziedonis’ dedication and contributions over the past three and half years,” Stokes said. “His work building crucial partnerships and hiring excellent deans and VPs will have a lasting impact on UNM. Transitioning leadership can be challenging, but I am optimistic that this change will bring stability and renewed energy and focus to our mission.”
Richards helped create New Mexico’s Medical Advisory Team (MAT) during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he’s taken initiative on healthcare matters, like securing $1.6 billion in Medicaid funding for New Mexico hospitals.
“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.”
He was the senior vice president for Clinical Affairs, and he also served as interim dean of the UNM School of Medicine.
