On Aug. 16, Patrick Allen, the Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Health, announced Dawn Sanchez's promotion to the positions of acting deputy secretary and chief operating officer. Dr. Miranda Durham has also received a promotion to Chief Medical Officer, according to an Aug. 16 press release,
“I am excited to announce these two promotions here at the Department of Health,” said Allen, according to the press release. “Dawn’s journey within DOH exemplifies the growth and potential that our agency fosters. Her experience makes her exceptionally well-suited for this new role.”
According to the press release, Sanchez initially joined the Department of Health (DOH) in 1996 Maternal and Child Health Planner and has since held a wide variety of positions including Improving Health Initiative Coordinator, Health Promotion Program Manager, and most recently, Southwest Region Director.
“Dawn’s journey within DOH exemplifies the growth and potential that our agency fosters,” Allen said in the press release. “Her experience makes her exceptionally well-suited for this new role.”
Possessing a Master's degree in Business Administration along with a substantial foundation in Health Services Management and Marketing, Sanchez has played a pivotal role in cultivating collaborative alliances within the community and supervising operational requirements, the press release noted.
"I am honored to take on this challenge and contribute to the Department's growth. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of New Mexicans," Sanchez said, according to the press release.
Dr. Durham started with the DOH in 2019 as the NM Region Health Officer and was responsible for furnishing crucial guidance to the region's medical personnel, the press release noted. Her responsibilities grew to include clinical services across multiple locations and she assumed a pivotal function as the planning section leader for the COVID-19 Vaccine Incident Command System.
"Miranda's experience and dedication are truly remarkable, and I have full confidence in her ability to lead in her new capacity," Allen said, according to the press release.
"Dedicating myself to this new responsibility is an honor, and I look forward to further contributing to the Department's ongoing mission," expressed Dr. Durham, per the press release.