Gilbert A. Ramírez, MSW, is a licensed clinical and school social worker with over 25 years of experience in behavioral health, education, and public service. A recognized national expert in gang intervention, he co-authored three Oxford University Press publications on school-based intervention strategies and co-founded a charter school where he developed student support frameworks still in use today. As an advocate for educational equity, he served as a fact witness in the landmark Yazzie/Martinez v. State of New Mexico case, providing critical testimony on the importance of integrating behavioral health services and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) frameworks in schools. Additionally, he spent 16 years as an Adjunct Professor and Field Consultant at New Mexico Highlands University, mentoring future social workers in School Social Work and Family Violence.

In 2018, Mayor Tim Keller appointed Ramírez as Deputy Director for Behavioral Health and Wellness Programs for the City of Albuquerque, where he has been instrumental in advancing public health initiatives. His leadership has helped establish the Albuquerque Community Safety Department, the Violence Intervention Program (VIP), and New Mexico’s first Medical Sobering Center at the Gateway Center, securing federal, state, and county funding to support these efforts. His expertise has shaped citywide policies, ensuring a comprehensive continuum of care for behavioral health and housing services.

In 2024, Ramírez was appointed as the Director of the Department of Health, Housing, and Homelessness, overseeing efforts to address homelessness, housing instability, and public health. A servant leader who embodies social work values, he continues to advocate for innovative, community-centered solutions that uplift vulnerable populations. His dedication to equity, integrity, and systemic change has left a lasting impact on public policy, education, and behavioral health services across New Mexico.