Steve McKernan served as the CEO for UNM Hospitals for 37 years before his retirement in 2017. Even after his retirement, remains a consultant to UNM Hospital. During his tenure, Mr. McKernan worked with the communities UNM Hospitals serves including the Native American communities throughout Bernalillo and Sandoval counties, He assisted in creating a network of community based clinics while at UNM. Stephen served on numerous Boards and Professional Healthcare Associations including the Board for America’s Essential Hospitals, a national Board; and the New Mexico Hospital Association.

Victoria Otero is the new Human Resources Committee Chair for LHC. Victoria is the Executive Director of Villa Therese Catholic Clinic, the only true free clinic in the State of NM that provides free basic and primary medical, dental, and vision services to the uninsured and anyone in need. Victoria has a Masters in Health Administration from the University Of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM. She also earned a BBA at UNM's Anderson School of Management with a focus on Human Resource Management. Victoria has over 15 years of experience in the field of human resources in healthcare and has served in many roles in inpatient, outpatient, primary and behavioral health settings. She is also a single mother and native of New Mexico with family ties in Los Lunas. She hopes to utilize her personal and professional experiences to further the mission of Laguna Healthcare Corporation.    

Gayle Chacon, MD is Dine' originally from Chinle, Navajo Nation. She is a physician specializing in family medicine. She graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine (UNMSOM) with her Doctor of Medicine and completed a residency in family medicine. She was faculty at UNMSOM for 18 years as a faculty professor. She has worked at clinics at the Pueblo of Sandia, Pueblo of Jemez, Navajo Nation, First Nations Health Source, Albuquerque Indian Health Center, Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center and UNM Hospital. She the founder of the Center for Native American Health (CNAH) at UNM Health Sciences Center. She served as Surgeon General for the Navajo Nation.

Rodney McNease, MA, has over 20 years experience in extensive administrative experience and Behavioral Health. Mr. McNease is currently the Executive Director for Governmental Affairs at the University of New Mexico Hospital. He oversees several areas of the Finance Division at UNM Hospital along with his responsibilities related to Behavioral Health and Governmental Affairs. Mr. McNease is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a recipient of a Regent Award as a senior level healthcare executive. He is a Fellow at America’s Essential Hospitals and has served as President of the New Mexico Behavioral Health Provider Association. Rodney serves as Chair of the New Mexico Hospital Association Centennial Care Taskforce and the New Mexico Hospital Association Behavioral Health Taskforce. He has been involved with numerous policy groups centered on behavioral health and healthcare finance issues.

Patrick Platero was raised in the Pueblo of Laguna Community and has had the time to learn about the extensive cultural history of my Laguna people. He is a Hopi Fire clan member with ties to the Corn and Roadrunner clan and affiliated with the Village of Paraje. Patrick has an Associate’s degree in Radiologic Sciences from Central New Mexico Community College and has been continuously employed with Presbyterian Healthcare Services for 2 years as a Registered Radiologic Technologist. Currently, he is working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Sciences from the University of New Mexico. "I hope to use the knowledge that I have learned over the years to help my Laguna community gain and maintain great access to the world of healthcare. I am proud to serve the Pueblo of Laguna."