University of New Mexico Health System has named Dr. Mike Richards as its CEO, replacing Dr. Douglas Ziedonis.
Richards took the reins Aug. 27 and was also named interim executive vice president of UNM Health Sciences. He previously served as the senior vice president for clinical affairs for UNM Health System and was interim dean of the UNM School of Medicine.
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Ziedonis is on professional leave until his appointment ends in December, the Albuquerque, New Mexico-based health system said in a Thursday news release. He was appointed CEO in December 2020.
“Given the evolving direction required for our health sciences initiatives, I have decided to make a strategic leadership change,” said Garnett Stokes, president of the University of New Mexico, in a letter to the organization. “I am deeply appreciative of Dr. Ziedonis’ dedication and contributions over the past three and half years. Transitioning leadership can be challenging, but I am optimistic that this change will bring stability and renewed energy and focus to our mission.”
Ziedonis has the option to stay on with UNM's School of Medicine as a tenured professor per his contract, a health system spokesperson said Friday.
No search search is underway for a permanent executive vice president of UNM Health Sciences, the spokesperson said.
UNM Health System is New Mexico's only academic medical center. It includes UNM Hospital, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center and UNM Medical Group, all based in Albuquerque, as well as UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center in Rio Rancho.
