Hereford Regional Medical Center CEO Candice R. Smith, MSN, RHCNOC, CCRN, has been appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to the Texas Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council, a statewide body tasked with developing strategies to ensure Texas maintains a strong and sustainable health care workforce.
Smith joins a select group of appointees from across the state whose experience will guide the council’s work in addressing critical workforce shortages, improving access to care, and supporting the long-term success of Texas health systems and professionals.
“It is an honor to represent Hereford and West Texas in this work,” said Smith. “Our region understands better than most what it means to successfully navigate today’s healthcare workforce challenges. I look forward to bringing the rural voice forward while helping Texas create a stronger future for healthcare across every community.”
Smith has served as CEO of the Deaf Smith County Hospital District since 2023 and has led major initiatives to expand care access locally, including new inpatient dialysis and nephrology services, improved EMS capabilities, and facility improvements. Earlier in her career, she spent more than a decade in nursing leadership positions and remains a strong advocate for front-line clinical professionals.
Smith serves on multiple regional and statewide committees focused on improving emergency preparedness, education, and patient care, including:
- GETAC Disaster Preparedness and Response Committee
- Texas Emergency Medical Task Force
- Deaf Smith County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Board
- Panhandle Regional Advisory Council Board
- Amarillo College Advisory Board
- Hereford Day Care Board
“We are extremely proud of Candice and grateful that her leadership and experience are being recognized at the state level,” said HRMC Board Chair Kevin Bunch. “Her voice will be invaluable in advancing solutions that support rural hospitals and ensure communities like ours have access to skilled healthcare professionals for years to come.”
Smith received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Texas A&M University and her Master of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of Phoenix. She also holds national certification as a Rural Health Chief Nursing Officer through the National Rural Hospital Association.
The Texas Legislature created the Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council in 2025 to study workforce trends statewide and develop strategic recommendations to strengthen healthcare access across Texas. Council terms are set to expire at the pleasure of the sitting governor. To learn more about the Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council, visit https://www.dshs.texas.gov/center-health-statistics/health-professions-workforce-coordinating-council.
