University of New Mexico Hospital Appoints New CEO
Dr. Steve McLaughlin will succeed outgoing CEO Kate Becker at the state's only Level I trauma center.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
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The University of New Mexico Hospital board has appointed Dr. Steve McLaughlin to serve as the organization's next CEO. He will replace Kate Becker, who is set to retire in December 2026.
Why it matters
The leadership change arrives as the hospital continues its mission to expand healthcare access across New Mexico. Dr. McLaughlin brings extensive internal experience, having held multiple clinical and administrative leadership roles at the facility.
Dr. McLaughlin joined the UNM School of Medicine faculty in 1998 and previously served as the emergency medicine chair starting in 2012. He was later appointed as the hospital's chief medical officer in 2023.
The players
Dr. Steve McLaughlin
He is the newly appointed CEO of the University of New Mexico Hospital who has served as a faculty member and administrator since 1998.
Kate Becker
She has served as the CEO of the University of New Mexico Hospital since 2018 and is scheduled to retire in December 2026.
The details
Dr. McLaughlin will continue his responsibilities as the vice president of clinical affairs and as a practicing physician during his transition to the CEO position. The university is also overseeing broader growth, including plans to double the size of its medical school.
Timeline
1995: Dr. McLaughlin moved to New Mexico for his residency.
1998: Dr. McLaughlin joined the UNM School of Medicine faculty.
2012: Dr. McLaughlin became chair of emergency medicine.
Fall 2025: UNMH opened a new critical care tower.
December 2026: Kate Becker retires as CEO.
Market Landscape
The leadership transition follows the university's ongoing commitment to double the size of its medical school in coming years. This shift positions the hospital to better manage its growth following the opening of a new critical care tower in 2025.
Patients and community members can expect continued operations at the state's only Level I trauma center during this leadership transition. The hospital remains focused on its core mission of providing medical care to the region.
The takeaway
The appointment emphasizes the importance of institutional experience during periods of significant growth and facility expansion. Residents should monitor future updates regarding the university's plans to increase its medical school capacity.
Further reading
For more information on local leadership changes, visit Albuquerque People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Abqjournal.
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