Dr. Martha Smith recently joined Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System as Deputy Director, after holding the position of Assistant Medical Center Director at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Prior to that, she worked as Chief of Nutrition and Food Services at W.G. Bill Hefner VA Medical Center in North Carolina, where she first began her career in the Veterans Health Administration in 2015.
Before joining the VA, Dr. Smith served for seven years as a commissioned officer in the United States Army, followed by two more years in the Army Reserves. Her military assignments included roles in Seoul, South Korea and training and research at Joint Base Lewis McChord near Tacoma, Washington.
Dr. Smith brings over 33 years of experience to her new role, with a Doctor of Educational Leadership (EdD) from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the same institution. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Michigan State University and has been published in multiple peer-reviewed publications. She is a respected speaker and a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
Outside of work, Dr. Smith enjoys traveling, swimming, playing the French horn and spending time with her seven grown children and five grandchildren.