Interim UNM health sciences chief gets permanent appointment

Dr. Mike Richards, who stepped into the chief role for the University of New Mexico Health Sciences and Health System last summer, has been appointed to the position permanently.

UNM President Garnett Stokes made the announcement Tuesday in a news release, saying Richards had “demonstrated remarkable leadership” as interim administrator leading the university’s clinical, research and education initiatives, which include a hospital and medical school.

“His appointment ensures continuity in leadership and builds upon the momentum he has already generated,” Stokes said.

She added that the community input she received about Richards’ leadership was a factor in naming him to the position of executive vice president of UNM Health Sciences and CEO of the UNM Health System permanently. There was no national search for the role, according to UNM spokesperson Cinnamon Blair.

Richards’ appointment officially begins Feb. 1 and runs through June 30, 2029, according to his contract provided by the university. He will make an annual salary of $850,000, which will increase to $900,000 on July 1. His base salary when he started in August was $738,601. The contract calls for Richards’ salary to increase to $950,000 in 2026.

In an interview Wednesday, Richards called it “an honor to do this level (of) work,” citing the “incredible team” at the Health Sciences Center.

He added that the “strategic initiatives” Stokes asked him to focus on are “the right things for the state.”

Richards replaced Dr. Doug Ziedonis, who was terminated without cause after Stokes announced a “strategic leadership change.” She cited the need to add hospital staff and expand the UNM School of Medicine.

Richards said that last summer Stokes asked him to focus on developing the health care workforce for the state.

“That is foundational to who we are,” he said.

The growth in the university’s clinical delivery system presents an opportunity for Richards and his team to train more health care workers.

“We started working on that with the president and the regents in the summer, and that has emerged as one of the top priorities of the university,” Richards said.

In the short term, Richards expects to be spending his time with lawmakers and the governor during the 60-day session at the Roundhouse. One priority is seeking funding for the replacement and expansion of the medical school, he said.

Richards has worked at UNM for 25 years, including as senior vice president for clinical affairs, interim dean of the UNM School of Medicine and professor and chair in the emergency medicine department.