Vice President, Commercial Legal Affairs and Transactions

Overview

Presbyterian Healthcare Services (PHS) 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 shape 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. 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.

PHS provides patients across New Mexico access to primary care and specialized services, including cancer care, heart and vascular care, and behavioral health.

• Lead and modernize the legal contracting function and oversee a team of legal professionals.
• Provide expert counsel on a broad portfolio of transactions, including vendor partnerships, joint ventures, facility leases, financing arrangements, and mergers and acquisitions.
• Advise senior leadership on complex commercial, regulatory, and governance matters that shape the enterprise, delivery system, and health plan.
• Serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership, ensuring governance best practices, thoughtful risk management, and alignment of legal operations with business objectives.
• Guide negotiations, manage transaction processes, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to evaluate new ventures and partnerships.
• Translate complex legal concepts for non-legal audiences and maintain strong relationships with external counsel.
• Foster a culture of accountability and excellence within the legal organization and ensure timely, cost-effective operations.

• At least ten years of experience as an attorney with deep expertise in healthcare transactions.
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the New Mexico State Bar, or willingness and ability to become a member within the first year of hire.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex legal concepts for diverse audiences.
• Proven leadership and mentoring abilities, with a track record of building high-performing teams.
• Ability to serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership and navigate regulatory and governance considerations.

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, sex (including sex characteristics, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex stereotypes). PHS does not exclude people or treat them less favorably because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.