Kristie Brooks has been appointed as the director of behavioral health transformation and innovation at the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA). Her appointment will be effective from May 5. Brooks comes with over 20 years of experience in behavioral health, addiction treatment, and public health policy. She was most recently the regional director for the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for Region 6, covering New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and 68 federally recognized tribes.
Kari Armijo, the cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Health Care Authority, expressed confidence in Brooks’ leadership by stating, “Kristie Brooks is a visionary leader with a deep understanding of how to integrate behavioral health services in a way that centers communities...Her experience at the tribal, state, and federal levels will be invaluable as we continue to rebuild a community-based behavioral health system across the state.”
In her new capacity, Brooks will assume the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of Senate Bill 3, a significant piece of legislation aimed at reinforcing New Mexico’s community-based care system. The bill was approved during the 2025 legislative session and was enacted by Gov. Lujan Grisham. Brooks will collaborate with Nick Boukas, the director of HCA’s Behavioral Health Services Division, to ensure the coordination of the state’s behavioral health initiatives.
“I’m honored to join the New Mexico Health Care Authority at such a pivotal time,” Brooks remarked. “New Mexico is leading the way in rebuilding behavioral health services, and I’m excited to partner with communities across the state to strengthen systems of care, elevate culturally responsive treatment models, and improve health outcomes.”
Brooks’ prior roles include the director of strategic development and director of behavioral health for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, focusing on expanding hospital and clinic services. Throughout her career, she has successfully advocated for federal funding and secured significant grants to enhance access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment, particularly for underserved communities.
With a background as a licensed professional counselor and a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Brooks holds a Master of Science in human resources counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in human services counseling from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.
