Dr. Martha Smith is Deputy Director of Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System
Dr. Martha Smith was appointed Deputy Director on February 25, 2024. Prior to that, she served as Assistant Medical Center Director at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, La.
Dr. Smith, a Registered Dietitian, joined the Veterans Health Administration in 2015 as the Chief, Nutrition and Food Services, at the W.G. Bill Hefner VA Medical Center, located in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Before her service in VA, she served on active duty in the United States Army as a commissioned officer for seven years and two years in the Army Reserves. Dr. Smith's military assignments include the 65th Medical Brigade in Seoul, South Korea from 2012-2015, and training and research while serving at Joint Base Lewis McChord, near Tacoma, Washington from 2008-2012.
Dr. Smith's administrative and leadership achievement includes 33 years in both allied health
care and direct practice. She was awarded a Doctor of Educational Leadership (EdD) by Eastern Michigan University in 2008. Additionally, she earned a Master of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Michigan State University.
Dr. Smith is an accomplished speaker; she is published in multiple peer-reviewed publications and a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). She enjoys travelling, swimming, playing the French horn and spending time with her seven grown children and five grandchildren.