New Deputy Director Dr. Martha Smith: A Veteran with Over 30 Years of Experience in Healthcare Leadership

Dr. Martha Smith has recently been appointed as Deputy Director at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System. Prior to this, she held the position of Assistant Medical Center Director at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. With a background as a Registered Dietitian, Dr. Smith first joined the Veterans Health Administration in 2015 as the Chief of Nutrition and Food Services at W.G. Bill Hefner VA Medical Center in North Carolina.

Dr. Smith’s military service began in 2008 when she was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army, serving for seven years before transitioning to the Army Reserves for two more years. During her time in the military, Dr. Smith had assignments in Seoul, South Korea and training and research at Joint Base Lewis McChord near Tacoma, Washington.

With over 33 years of experience in allied healthcare and direct practice, Dr. Smith holds a Doctor of Educational Leadership (EdD) from Eastern Michigan University, a Master of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the same institution and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Michigan State University. She is also a respected speaker and has been published in multiple peer-reviewed publications and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

Outside of work, Dr. Smith enjoys travelling, swimming, playing the French horn and spending time with her seven grown children and five grandchildren.