Director of the Division of Policy and Performance

Dr. Sam Howarth has served as the Director of the Division of Policy and Performance with the New Mexico Department of Health since August 2006. The Division of Policy and Performance is designated by the Secretary to direct the development of Department policy and strategic planning, coordinate legislative strategy, and to lead efforts to address health disparities among New Mexico’s diverse populations. In July 2009, Governor Bill Richardson appointed Dr. Howarth to direct the New Mexico Health Policy Commission. In this position, Dr. Howarth oversees all Commission activities. The Commission is statutorily charged with developing the State’s health policy.

Prior to assuming this position, Dr. Howarth served as Director of the Department of Health’s Developmental Disabilities Supports Division where he oversaw New Mexico’s developmental disabilities waiver, medically fragile waiver, Family Infant and Toddler program and the Los Lunas Community Program. In this position, Dr. Howarth also served as one of the Department’s key legislative lobbyists, working with Department leadership and the Executive to develop the Department’s priorities, and with the Legislature to forward them.

Dr. Howarth has over 15 years experience developing and forwarding policy, primarily related to health and education. Dr. Howarth is a Native New Mexican. He has a Bachelors degree in history and Spanish, and a Masters and PhD in Language, Literacy and Social Cultural Studies from the University of New Mexico.