Meet the Director

Director of Health, Housing & Homelessness Gilbert Ramírez, MSW, brings more than two decades of leadership and service in behavioral health and community-based systems to his role with the City of Albuquerque. With academic training in social work and education, Ramírez has dedicated his career to advancing innovative, person-centered approaches to care, crisis response, and housing stability.

Prior to serving as Director, Ramírez held the position of Deputy Director for Behavioral Health and Wellness Programs, where he played a central role in launching transformative initiatives, including the Albuquerque Community Safety Department and New Mexico’s first medical sobering center. His work has consistently focused on building coordinated systems that improve outcomes for individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges, substance use disorders, and homelessness.

Ramírez’s professional background includes more than 25 years of clinical and administrative experience in Albuquerque. He also served for sixteen years as an Adjunct Professor and Field Consultant with the New Mexico Highlands University School of Social Work, supporting the development of future social work professionals.

His contributions to the field have received national and academic recognition. In 2025, Ramírez was awarded the NASW Foundation Social Work Pioneer Award, honoring his leadership and impact in advancing social work practice. More recently, he was recognized by New Mexico Highlands University with a Distinguished Alumni Award for his work in community systems development and public service.

Ramírez has also contributed to nationally recognized research and co-authored publications examining effective gang intervention and community safety strategies.