Vice President, Commercial Legal Affairs and Transactions

Presbyterian Healthcare Services (PHS; https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) seeks a seasoned, strategic, and forward thinking legal executive to serve in the inaugural role of Vice President, Commercial Legal Affairs & Transactions (VP). This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the nation’s most respected integrated healthcare systems and play a pivotal role in shaping the legal, transactional, and governance landscape of the largest healthcare provider in the state of New Mexico.
Founded in New Mexico in 1908, PHS is a locally owned, not-for-profit delivery system that includes nine hospitals (three of which are critical access hospitals), a multi-specialty medical group with more than 900 providers, ambulance services, home health, and hospice operations. As part of an integrated healthcare system, Presbyterian offers patients throughout New Mexico access to dedicated primary care providers, as well as highly specialized care, including cancer care, heart and vascular care, and behavioral health.

The Presbyterian Health Plan is a for-profit entity offering Managed Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Commercial, and Dual Special Needs plans and is subject to frequent and rigorous regulatory oversight.
The VP, reporting directly to the Senior Vice President and General Counsel, will serve as a key advisor on complex commercial, regulatory, and governance matters that shape the enterprise, delivery system, and health plan. This executive will lead and modernize the legal contracting function, oversee a team of legal professionals, and provide expert counsel on a broad portfolio of transactions—including vendor partnerships, joint ventures, facility leases, financing arrangements, and mergers and acquisitions.

The VP will be a strategic partner to senior leadership, ensuring that PHS employs best in class governance practices, navigates legal risk thoughtfully, and advances business objectives with clarity and confidence. This leader will guide negotiations, manage transaction processes, and collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to evaluate new ventures and partnerships.
This role requires a sophisticated communicator who can translate complex legal concepts for non legal audiences, build trust across the enterprise, and maintain strong relationships with external counsel. The VP must be a strong mentor and leader, able to foster a culture of accountability and excellence, and ensure that legal operations are timely, cost effective, and aligned with organizational priorities. The VP will have at least ten years of experience as an attorney, with deep expertise in healthcare transactions.

Candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate and be a graduate of an accredited law school. They must be a member in good standing of the New Mexico State Bar or willing and able to become a member of the New Mexico Bar within the first year of hire. More information can be found at
For confidential nominations or expressions of interest, please contact the Witt Kieffer search team Werner Boel and Katie Haddock at
Presbyterian Healthcare Services complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex including sex characteristics, including intersex traits; pregnancy or related conditions; sexual orientation; gender identity, and sex stereotypes. Presbyterian Healthcare Services does not exclude people or treat them less favorably because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.