New Mexico health and human services secretary Pamela Hyde has been nominated by President Obama on Oct. 2 to become the next administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Hyde, who has 30 years of experience in healthcare management and consulting -- much in the mental-health arena, including serving as president and CEO of the managed behavioral healthcare firm Comcare -- has served in a variety of public posts, including as a state mental health director and state human services director.

She was appointed cabinet secretary of the New Mexico Human Services Department in 2003 by Gov. Bill Richardson after working in state government in Ohio and for the city of Seattle. Hyde also is an attorney and worked in a variety of legal-services positions early in her career.

"Hyde has been with my administration since day one and has been a tremendous asset for the people of New Mexico, providing greater access to quality resources they need to be successful in life," Richardson said. "She not only improved the services available through the Human Services Department but took on the task of improving and streamlining the way behavioral health services are administered in our state, something no other state has tried, much less accomplished."

"Ms. Hyde has worked tirelessly to improve access, quality, and accountability of health and human services programs for the residents of her state," added Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Rear Admiral Eric Broderick has filled in as acting SAMHSA administrator since the departure of Terry Cline, Ph.D., last fall.