Ginger Raya
Associate Professor Non-Tenure Instruction
Management, Policy & Community Health
915/975-8520
About
Dr. Ginger Raya is a nationally recognized healthcare executive, educator, and mentor with more than 20 years of experience leading operational improvements, strategic growth, and organizational transformation across academic institutions and healthcare systems. She has managed revenues up to $67M, operating budgets of $68M, and teams of 250+, consistently driving sustainable results while fostering cultures of excellence. Currently, Dr. Raya serves as Center Director of the George McMillan Fleming Center for Healthcare Management and Associate Professor at UTHealth Houston, where she develops executive leadership programs, builds statewide industry partnerships, and mentors clinicians and healthcare leaders. In 2025, she launched the Executive Certificate in Healthcare Management & Leadership, a nationally accessible program designed to address critical gaps in underserved and rural healthcare systems. This program equips mid-career professionals with high-impact skills in strategy, finance, and change leadership to solve real-world healthcare challenges. Previously, Dr. Raya held senior leadership roles at HCA Healthcare and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where her initiatives in turnaround strategy, patient experience, and revenue cycle management became best practices across divisions. An award-winning leader, Dr. Raya was named a 2024 Woman of Distinction by TAMACC, received the American College of Healthcare Executives Service Award, and was nominated for the HCA President’s Diamond Award. A sought-after speaker, she has delivered keynotes and panels on healthcare leadership, emotional intelligence, and professional development. She also contributes to her community as Board Chair of the El Paso Chamber Healthcare Coalition, President of ACHE of the Southwest, Chair of Evolve Federal Credit Union, and as host and creator of The HealthSpark podcast.
Research Interests
- Border Health
- Clinical Trials
- Community Health Practice
- Health Equity
- Management and Health Policy