The Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act (SB3)
During the 2025 Legislative Session, Senate Bill 3 (SB3)—the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act—was enacted to initiate a comprehensive reform of behavioral health systems in New Mexico. This landmark legislation adopts a regional approach to behavioral health care, calling for coordinated involvement from all three branches of government and laying the groundwork for a more integrated, accountable, and community-centered continuum of care.
Each region, established by the Executive Committee, will identify up to 5 behavioral health priorities and request funding to implement a four-year plan.
The Act requires local organizations, healthcare agencies, and government officials to work together to support the expansion of behavioral health services in New Mexico.
Director, New Mexico Health Care Authority, Behavioral Health Service Division and Executive Committee Chair Nick Boukus
Nick Boukas is the Director of the Behavioral Health Services Division of the New Mexico Health Care Authority. He has held various public service roles in city, county, regional, and state government agencies, as well as national organizations. He has worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies on policy and program development.
Director Boukas has been a featured speaker at national and regional conferences, presenting on topics ranging from workforce development to community engagement.
Prior to his appointment in 2023, he worked at the New Mexico Department of Health, focusing on strengthening the behavioral health system to create a healthier New Mexico.
He holds a Master of Public Administration and resides in Santa Fe with his wife and dogs.
Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Health Care Authority Kari Armijio
Ms. Kari Armijo, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Health Care Authority, exemplifies a profound dedication to public service with over two decades of experience in the department.
Appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in October 2023, Armijo spearheaded the transition from the Human Services Department to the New Mexico Health Care Authority. Under her leadership, the agency serves over half of New Mexico’s population, advancing policies that strengthen the state’s health care and safety-net system.
A lifelong New Mexican, Armijo was born and raised in Santa Fe, where she lives with
her husband and two teenage sons. Her career is defined by significant contributions to
health care policy, public service, and the management of care systems to improve the
health and well-being of all New Mexicans.
New Mexico’s Medicad Director Dana Flannery
Dana Flannery, New Mexico’s Medicaid Director, is a public health policy expert with over 20 years of experience in Medicaid program design and behavioral health integration. She has overseen multibillion-dollar budgets, secured significant federal funding, and led innovative program design, crisis response, and integrated health care implementation.
As an International Coaching Federation credentialed coach, an alumna of the first cohort of CHCS’ Medicaid Pathways Program and the 2025 Medicaid Leadership Institute, Dana is committed to developing future leaders in public health through strategic mentorship and succession planning.
Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) Director, Karl Reifsteck
Karl W. Reifsteck, as Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in New Mexico, has been actively involved in judicial administration and system improvements.
His leadership has focused on court efficiency, behavioral health initiatives, and access to justice. He previously served as a judge for the 13th Judicial District Court of New Mexico, which covers Cibola, Sandoval, and Valencia counties, and was appointed to the bench by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in 2022.
Before his appointment to the AOC, Reifsteck served as Chief Administrator and Chief Counsel for the 13th Judicial District Court, where he had worked since 2012. His experience in court administration and legal counsel helped shape his approach to judicial leadership.
He began his legal career as a staff attorney for Law Access New Mexico after earning his J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame.
Dr. Stacey Cox
Dr. Stacy Cox has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Health Innovation at the New Mexico Public Health Institute since 2022. She operates her own consulting business and is actively involved in behavioral health policy and advocacy, particularly in rural communities.
Dr. Cox holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD), Burnout, Developmental Trauma, and Recovery from Saybrook University.
Dr. Violette Cloud
Dr. Violet Cloud has extensive training in Behavioral Health, Criminal Law, and Federal Indian Law. They also have experience providing training and technical assistance to the courts. As an expert in the field, Dr. Cloud works with community members and criminal legal system partners to identify service gaps and to implement solutions.
A licensed attorney in the State of New Mexico, Dr. Cloud holds a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from the University of New Mexico.
Dr. Cloud is from the four corners region of the Southwest. They identify as a Native American, with relations to the Navajo Nation and the Southern Ute Tribe.
Gerald P. “Jerry” Ortiz y Pino
Gerald P. “Jerry” Ortiz y Pino is an American politician and social worker serving as a member of the New Mexico Senate, where he has represented the 12th district since 2005. Born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he is one of six siblings. Ortiz y Pino earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American studies from the University of New Mexico and later obtained a Master of Social Work from Tulane University.
Throughout his political career, Ortiz y Pino has been an advocate for various causes.
He succeeded Richard M. Romero, a fellow Democrat, and has run for re-election unopposed in 2008, 2012, and 2016. Additionally, he wrote a recurring column for the Weekly Alibi, an alternative publication in Albuquerque. Notably, Ortiz y Pino has been a strong proponent of cannabis legalization in New Mexico.
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