Profile: Sofia Hernandez, MPA

Biography

Sofia Hernandez is the Chief of Staff and Senior Associate Vice President for Governmental Relations for the UTRGV School of Medicine. Before joining UTRGV, she was the Vice President for Government Affairs and Graduate Medical Education at DHR Health. Hernandez has more than 25 years of experience working in health care and public policy. She has worked for United Healthcare, Hidalgo County, and State Senators Juan Hinojosa, Eddie Lucio, Judith Zaffirini, and the late Carlos Truan.

Sofia earned her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin. She also earned her MPA from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Chief of Staff and Strategic Initiatives

• Provides senior-level administrative oversight and executive decision-making in matters impacting the School of Medicine.
• Oversees the ongoing development and execution of the school's strategic plan and monitors a continuous quality improvement program.
• Promotes community engagement and represents the school at local, state, national, and international levels in activities that will positively impact the reputation and influence of the school and university.
• Leads and evaluates assigned areas such as Strategic Planning and Initiatives, Marketing and Communications; and special events.
• Effectively engages all stakeholders, assists the Dean in the development and implementation of a comprehensive and integrative strategic plan for the school in alignment with the university strategic plan and ensures these plans are implemented in the assigned areas.