ALAMOSA — The Board of Directors of the San Luis Valley Area Health Education Center is proud to announce the selection of the new San Luis Valley Area Health Education Center Executive Director Eric Stevens.

With two decades of management experience (primarily in nonprofit and government realms of healthcare, housing, advocacy, and education), Stevens has dedicated his career to making his community a better place. A third generation Alamosan, he returned to the San Luis Valley after more than 30 years away in order to earn a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adams State University. He reports that returning to the Valley was one of the best decisions he ever made.

Stevens lives in Alamosa with his wife Carmen and his one and a half year old daughter. 

He states, “The SLVAHEC is a very strong 39-year old organization, and I see this position as a wonderful opportunity to positively impact the lives of our people.  We have so many issues to address, from our current drug epidemic to threats of federal funding reductions for healthcare. I look forward to working with all of our stakeholders in developing lasting solutions.”

Stevens will begin his employment at SLVAHEC on June 1 and will train under current Executive Director Freddie Jaquez. Stevens will take the reins of the organization on July 1.

“I have all the confidence in Mr. Steven’s ability to take the SLVAHEC to the next level,” stated Jaquez. “He certainly has the passion to assure the SLVAHEC will continue with the great work of making the San Luis Valley a healthier place to live.”

Board President Joe Valdez shared, “I am optimistic for the future of the SLVAHEC. The transition from Freddie Jaquez to Eric Stevens will proceed smoothly. With the support and direction of the board of directors, I am sure the successful work of the SLVAHEC will continue.”