The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) has announced new leadership appointments. Kathy Slater-Huff and Kyra Ochoa have been named as deputy secretaries.
Slater-Huff, who boasts an extensive 17-year career in public service with the HSD, will assume her role immediately. Her previous positions include Acting Deputy Secretary since March 2023, Marketing and Outreach Manager for the state’s Medicaid program, and Bureau Chief of Medicaid’s Communication and Education Bureau. On the other hand, Ochoa is set to take on the role of HSD Deputy Secretary on Jan. 6, 2024. Known for her distinguished public service career, notably as the Director of the Community Health and Safety Department for the City of Santa Fe, her appointment was confirmed in a press release by HSD.
"I’m so grateful that Kathy has agreed to step up and lead HSD as Deputy Secretary. Kathy has many years of valuable experience within HSD; she walks the walk of a truly dedicated public servant every day," said Kari Armijo, cabinet secretary for HSD according to a press release by HSD. "I look forward to the great work she’ll do for New Mexicans in her new role."
Armijo also expressed enthusiasm about Ochoa's appointment saying: "We are thrilled to welcome Kyra Ochoa as Deputy Secretary; I am confident that under her leadership, we will continue taking significant steps toward building a healthier and more equitable New Mexico." She further added: "Kyra’s unwavering dedication to strengthening safety net programs and her alignment with our core values at HSD make her an invaluable addition to our team."
The HSD manages a budget of approximately $7 billion, utilizing state and federal funds to provide essential services to low-income residents in New Mexico. The programs it oversees cover a broad spectrum including behavioral health services, child support, community services, assistance for individuals with disabilities, energy assistance, meals for the homeless, Medicaid, refugee resettlement, school commodity foods, SNAP education, SNAP, TANF, and The Emergency Food Assistance Program. This information is available on the About webpage provided by HSD.
