Nancy Laster named director of Health Care Authority’s Division of Health Improvement

The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) announced  that Nancy Laster has been named director of the Division of Health Improvement, effective June 9.

Laster is an accomplished health care executive with more than three decades of leadership in hospitals and health care systems. Most recently, she served as chief nursing officer at Lovelace Westside Hospital, where she also held roles as administrative director of the One Call Transfer Center and the Market Resource Team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nancy to the Health Care Authority,” said Alex Castillo Smith, deputy secretary of HCA. “Nancy’s deep experience in clinical operations, system redesign and quality improvement—combined with a clear commitment to patient safety—makes her an ideal leader for this role. As we strive to improve the health and well-being of New Mexicans, she will play a critical role in ensuring high-quality care and access while partnering with providers across the state.”

In her new role, Laster will help lead the implementation of House Bill 131, a 2025 law signed by Gov. Lujan Grisham that strengthens background checks for caregivers.

“I’m excited to join the New Mexico Health Care Authority and support the vital work of the Division of Health Improvement,” Laster said. “Upholding safety, dignity, and accountability in care settings is essential, especially for those who rely on long-term services and supports. I look forward to working with communities and providers across the state to strengthen trust, improve oversight, and ensure quality care for all New Mexicans.”

Before joining Lovelace, Laster served as director of cardiac patient care at DCH Regional Medical Center in Alabama and director of critical care nursing at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital in Georgia. In those roles, she advanced patient communications, enhanced services and helped facilities under her leadership achieve the Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

Laster serves on the board of the New Mexico Organization of Nurse Leaders and is a member of the New Mexico Nurses Association. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama.

More News from Alamogordo

• Building Collapse, 2000 Without Power, Fire in Alamodosa Microburst causes issues for Alamogordo
• Alamogordo Residents Report Power Outage PNM investigating power outage