New Deputy Director at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System: Dr. Martha Smith, RD, ACHP.

Dr. Martha Smith recently joined the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System as Deputy Director, after previously serving as Assistant Medical Center Director at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. With a background as a Registered Dietitian, her work with the VA began in 2015 as the Chief of Nutrition and Food Services at W.G. Bill Hefner VA Medical Center in North Carolina.

Before joining the Veterans Health Administration, Dr. Smith had over 33 years of experience in allied healthcare and direct practice. She 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. Dr. Smith is also a respected speaker and has been published in multiple peer-reviewed publications. She is 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. Her military service includes seven years as a commissioned officer in the United States Army followed by two years in the Army Reserves, with assignments including roles in Seoul, South Korea and training and research at Joint Base Lewis McChord near Tacoma, Washington.