SANTA FE – LeAnn Behrens has been appointed as the new Deputy Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth), according to an announcement by Secretary Patrick Allen. Behrens, who joined NMHealth in April 2024 as the Director of Operations, brings extensive experience in healthcare management and operational efficiency.
During her time as Director of Operations, Behrens played a key role in implementing performance management systems focused on improving hiring processes and the department’s operational performance. She has also been involved in preparing the department's budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 and overseeing financial streamlining projects. Her work has also included collaborations with Medicaid Managed Care organizations on initiatives such as nicotine reduction programs.
“I am very excited to have LeAnn in this new role,” said Secretary Allen. “In her short time here at NMHealth, she has proven to be an invaluable asset in helping me steer the organization toward our goal of making New Mexico the healthiest state by 2040.”
Before joining NMHealth, Behrens spent over 20 years at Anthem Health, where she held leadership positions, including President of Anthem’s West Region Medicaid. In this role, she managed health plan operations and financial performance. Her previous experience also includes serving as Assistant Director of Education and Research at the Women’s Center of Tarrant County in Fort Worth, Texas, where she developed educational programs on sexual abuse, harassment, and partner violence.
Although Behrens retired from Anthem in 2019, she returned to the workforce during the pandemic to address the teacher shortage, working as a special education teacher at Capitol High School in Santa Fe.
A Santa Fe resident since 2020, Behrens lives with her husband, David, and their four cats. She is an active volunteer with the International Folk Art Museum’s annual market and serves on several boards focused on supporting women and children facing housing instability.
Behrens' experience in both healthcare and education, along with her commitment to community service, makes her a key player in NMHealth’s mission to improve the health and wellbeing of New Mexicans.