Anchorum Begins New Chapter With Sayuri Yamada as Next CEO

SANTA FE, N.M. — Anchorum today announced that longtime board member Sayuri Yamada has been named chief executive officer, marking the next chapter in the organization’s continued evolution to improve the health and well-being of communities across Northern New Mexico.

The leadership transition comes as Anchorum broadens its vision and impact. In recent months, the organization has evolved into a family of organizations that includes the Anchorum Health Foundation, Anchorum Healthcare Partnerships and Anchorum Native Health Partnerships. This evolution will allow Anchorum to develop more focused strategies, strengthen trusted community partnerships and respond more effectively to the evolving health needs of Northern New Mexico and its unique communities.

Yamada succeeds Jerry Jones, who is concluding nearly a decade of executive leadership after guiding Anchorum’s transformation into one of New Mexico’s leading philanthropic organizations. Following a planned leadership transition, Jones will continue serving as a strategic adviser and consultant, supporting the transition while creating greater flexibility for the next chapter of his professional and personal life.

During Jones’ and Yamada’s tenures, Anchorum partnered with CHRISTUS Health and CHRISTUS St. Vincent to successfully restructure the organization’s ownership model, creating the Anchorum Health Foundation in 2023 and establishing one of the largest health foundations in New Mexico.

“Our communities are evolving, and Anchorum is expanding into 13 counties and across all Tribal Nations and Pueblos to meet those needs,” said Christina Campos, board chair of Anchorum. “Improving community and individual health today requires investing in innovative solutions and working alongside communities to create lasting change. Sayuri is the right leader to guide Anchorum into this next chapter.”

For Yamada, the appointment represents a continuation of work she has helped shape for years. A longtime member and founding chair of the Anchorum Board of Directors, Yamada has played a key role in guiding the organization’s strategic direction and helping shape its evolution into a more collaborative, community-centered organization focused on improving the lives of people across Northern New Mexico. She brings decades of executive leadership and governance experience, along with a deep understanding of the region’s unique strengths, cultures and needs, shaped by her many years as a resident. Yamada believes healthier communities are built by listening first, investing strategically and creating partnerships that empower local organizations to lead lasting change.

“Anchorum has always believed that strong partnerships are built by engaging directly with communities, earning trust and working alongside the people who know their communities best,” Yamada said. “As Northern New Mexico continues to evolve, so must we. Our role is to bring people together, invest in innovative ideas and build trusted partnerships that empower communities to lead lasting change. I am honored to build on the strong foundation that Jerry, our board and our staff have created, and I look forward to working alongside our partners to help create healthier futures for generations to come.”

Jones said the organization is well-positioned for its next phase of growth. “Anchorum is stronger today than it has ever been. The organization has grown from a midsize grantmaker into a leading and trusted community partner,” Jones said. “Sayuri has helped shape that vision from the beginning, and I am confident she will lead Anchorum with humility, purpose and an unwavering commitment to the people and communities of Northern New Mexico.”

Under Yamada’s leadership, Anchorum will continue expanding its efforts to help families thrive through improved access to health care, affordable housing, behavioral health and Native health. This work will include investing in organizations and initiatives that improve health, strengthen collaboration and support community-focused solutions. The organization’s evolving structure provides greater reach and flexibility to address emerging needs while remaining rooted in its longstanding commitment to improving the health and well-being of the people and communities it serves.

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Anchorum Health Foundation is dedicated to improving the conditions that have the greatest influence on the health and well-being of people across Northern New Mexico. Through strategic investments and partnerships, the foundation supports community-based organizations working to address the region’s most pressing health challenges.