Kate Becker has been named CEO of University of New Mexico Hospitals, effective July 15.
Becker, a St. Louis native, has been president of SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital since July 2015.
Becker previously served as interim president of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and as president of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond Heights, Mo. Prior to that, she was the CEO of SLUCare, the faculty practice plan of Saint Louis University. She was responsible for coordinating the strategic, administrative and financial objectives of the practice.
Becker is the 2018 chair of the Metropolitan Hospital Governing Council of the American Hospital Association and serves on the boards of the St. Louis Integrated Health Network, Casa de Salud, Fontbonne University, Provident Counseling and Park Central Development. She previously served on the boards of St. Louis Crisis Nursery and The Magic House Children’s Museum. She also serves on the Pilot Program Planning Team for Gateway to Better Health.
Becker replaces UNMH CEO Steve McKernan, who retired last fall.
In 2016, SSM and SLU announced plans for a new $550 million SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital and ambulatory care center that will include more than 800,000 square feet of space, 316 private patient rooms, an expanded Level 1 trauma center and emergency department, larger intensive care units, expanded parking and opportunities for expansion. The new hospital is being constructed just north of the current hospital on Grand Avenue.