From Battlefield to the Boardroom: Dr. Martha Smith’s Journey in Veterans Health Leadership

Dr. Martha Smith has recently been appointed as Deputy Director at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System. Before this role, 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.

Prior to her work with the VA, Dr. Smith served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for seven years, followed by two 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 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 a respected speaker and has been published in multiple peer-reviewed publications. She is also 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.