On June 1, 2025, Dr. Martha A. Smith was appointed director of the interim medical center for the Ozarks veterans’ health system.
On June 1, 2025, Dr. Martha A. Smith was appointed director of the interim medical center for the Ozarks veterans’ health system. Before this appointment, Dr. Smith joined the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System (SLVHCS) management team in February 2024 as deputy director. She was assistant director of the Overton Brooks medical center is Medical Center in Shreveport, since January 2021.
Dr. Smith, a recorded dietitian, joined the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in 2015 as head of nutrition and food services of WG Bill Hefner Va Medical Center, located in Salisbury, NC. Before working in the VHA, Dr. Smith served in active service in the US military as an officer commissioned for seven years and in army reserves for two years. His military assignments included the position of head of nutrition for the 65th medical brigade in Seoul, South Korea from 2012 to 2015, and training, training and research with students from Baylor University at the joint Lewis-McChord base in Washington State from 2008 to 2012.
Dr. Smith’s administrative and leadership achievements include 37 years in health care and direct practice. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). She finished the Development Program for Health Leadership (HCLDP) in 2019 and the Leadership VA (LVA) program in 2023. Dr. Smith received a doctorate in educational leadership (EDD) of the Eastern Michigan University in 2008. In addition, she obtained a master’s degree in East Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science In. Nutrition of Michigan State University.