Our Leadership

Kari Armijo, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), brings over two decades of dedicated public service to her role, exemplifying a deep commitment to improving health care for all New Mexicans.

As the leader of the HCA—a state agency that now serves over 50% of New Mexico’s population following its transformation from the Human Services Department on July 1, 2024—Armijo has demonstrated exceptional leadership. Her strategic vision and operational expertise have significantly improved access to care and service delivery for the state’s most vulnerable residents. She has played a pivotal role in advancing key legislative priorities, particularly in health care and anti-poverty initiatives.

With nearly 20 years of experience working in the New Mexico Medicaid program, Armijo has directed and coordinated Medicaid policy, administration, and operations. As the Affordable Care Act Implementation director, she expanded health care coverage to more than 250,000 uninsured New Mexicans. Additionally, she spent three years as the special project’s director for the Medicaid program and has held leadership positions overseeing Medicaid child/adolescent health and school-based health center programs.

Armijo’s long-standing career in public service reflects her unwavering commitment to health care policy and the people of New Mexico. She brings a wealth of experience in managing health and human services, with a particular focus on the intersection of public policy and care system management.

Under her leadership, the Health Care Authority is advancing a more unified, customer-centered approach to health care and safety-net programs in New Mexico. This transformation, driven by her dedication and forward-thinking leadership, represents a major step toward a healthier and more equitable future for the state.

A lifelong New Mexican, Armijo was born and raised in Santa Fe, where she continues to live with her husband and two teenage sons.