Armijo will lead transition of Human Services Department

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday appointed Kari Armijo to her cabinet.

Armijo will lead the Human Services Department as it transitions to the Health Care Authority Department to establish a unified department responsible for the health care purchasing, regulation and policy.

“Kari has established herself as a health care expert and innovator during her 20-plus year career in public service,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “She has a big job in front of her – transitioning HSD to the Health Care Authority Department – but her knowledge of New Mexico, the care system and how they interact will serve her, and the state, well going forward.”

Armijo has been with HSD for more than two decades. She has been Acting Secretary for the New Mexico Human Services Department since January 2023. Armijo was the Deputy Secretary for the department from 2020 – 2023. She spent 20 years with the New Mexico Medicaid program and left as the Deputy Director of the program where she served as the Affordable Care Act Implementation Director.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed to serve as Cabinet Secretary of the Human Services Department,” said Acting Health Services Department Secretary Kari Armijo. “Serving vulnerable New Mexicans has always been at the forefront of my 23-year public service career. I am committed to ensuring that every eligible New Mexican receives the support and care they deserve through our programs. With the dedicated team at HSD, our partners and the public, we will continue to build a New Mexico where everyone thrives. I am grateful for this opportunity and am eager to lead with compassion, integrity and a vision for a brighter, healthier future for all New Mexicans.”

Her appointment began immediately and her salary will be $225,000.