High Plains is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization governed by a majority consumer Board of Directors and managed by a suite of officers: Chief Executive (CEO), Medical (CMO), and Financial (CFO), as well as Directors of Clinical, Dental, Behavioral Health, Financial Services, Human Resources, Data Systems, and Compliance & Risk Management.
Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Carroll joined High Plains Community Health Center in June of 2025, but was providing consulting to the Executive team for over 2 1/2 years. Jeremy has over 20 years of experience in financial and executive leadership, including nearly 15 years working in Federally Qualified Community Health Centers in the roles of CEO, COO and CFO in rural parts of Colorado. Jeremy is a proven innovative leader in the healthcare industry, focusing on population health, team-based care, patient outcomes, improving the patient experience and creating a culture of service. Jeremy drives organizational growth through executive leadership, working closely with boards and the leadership team to develop and execute the organization’s mission and vision by implementing the strategic plan while adhering to core values. Jeremy has a keen ability to evaluate risk to push the envelope to increase patient services, increase patient access and grow the organization. Jeremy also has over 20 years of construction management experience and has overseen 5 expansion projects over the last 10 years. Jeremy has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Texas A&M University, graduating with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude.
Liesl Wyka, FNP, serves as the Chief Medical Officer and brings a truly remarkable blend of clinical expertise, leadership, education, and community engagement to this role. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with more than a decade of experience providing care across diverse clinical settings, including FQHCs, Army family medicine clinics, and refugee and border health programs. Many of you may already know her from her time providing care here at High Plains as a locum provider.
In addition to her extensive clinical background, Liesl has led in both medical and non-medical arenas. She is a small business owner, and a leader of an Army Family Support Group overseas. Her international work includes providing medical care to refugee populations in Norway, underserved communities in Papua New Guinea, and at the U.S./Mexico border.
Liesl is also passionate about teaching, innovation, and patient education, with experience in curriculum development, telehealth, and clinical training. Currently, she is furthering her leadership expertise through Emory University’s CMO Executive Education Program, focusing on finance, strategic planning, negotiation, and talent development: all skills that will directly support our High Plain’s mission.
Garrett joined High Plains as CFO in June of 2025 but has been providing consulting for the organization for the previous 2 ½ years. Garrett brings over 9 years of experience in finance, operations, and leadership, with a majority emphasis working with Federally Qualified Health Centers. Proven to be a data-based decision maker, he utilizes data and his exceptional fiscal responsibility to support decisions with the information needed for financial growth and sustainability. He works hard to cultivate a strong accuracy of transparent information that leads to positive patient outcomes and efficiency, along with a passion for work in rural communities. Garrett also has 6 years of Orthopedic leadership experience and has a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Colorado Mesa University.
Samantha Brookshire serves as the Director of Human Resources at High Plains Community Health Center, where she is dedicated to fostering a supportive, compliant, and people-centered workplace culture. With a strong background in human resources operations, employee relations, and organizational development, Samantha partners closely with executive leadership to align HR strategies with the organization’s mission and values.
In her role, Samantha oversees recruitment and retention, performance management, employee engagement, policy development, and compliance with state and federal regulations. She is passionate about creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to provide exceptional care to the communities High Plains serves.
Mendi Choat serves as the Director of Clinical Operations at High Plains, where she has been since May 2023. A Prowers County native, she is deeply committed to serving her community by helping ensure access to high-quality, patient-centered health care.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management with a minor in Health Care Administration from Regis University and brings more than ten years of experience in medical practice management. Mendi later earned her associate degree in nursing from Lamar Community College and spent seven years working as a Registered Nurse.
Mendi is passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and fostering a positive, healthy work environment for staff, all while supporting the delivery of quality care to the communities High Plains serves.
Tony Medina serves as the Director of IT Systems at High Plains Community Health Center. Drawing on a decade of personal dedication to the clinic, Tony leads his IT team in ensuring that all tools—from electronic health records to network security—operate seamlessly. He remains focused on identifying new ways technology can improve the patient experience and meet the evolving needs of our community.
Tara Parmely serves as the Director of Dental Operations at High Plains, where she has proudly been employed for 26 years. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to supporting high-quality dental care, strengthening clinical operations, and ensuring her team has the resources they need to serve patients effectively. Her long-standing commitment to High Plains reflects her passion for excellence, collaboration, and community-focused care.
Angela Woodward serves as the Director of Financial Operations at High Plains, where she has twelve years of experience in community health care. Angela brings a deep commitment to serving local populations through accessible, patient-centered care. After spending 17 years working at Lamar Community College, Angela made her transition to High Plains Community Health Center in 2014, and her focus changed from eliminating barriers and supporting students’ navigation through the education process to supporting the same efforts for patients navigating health care.
One of Angela’s key roles is to help ensure the financial sustainability of services that support High Plains, patients, and well-being of the community.
Dedicated to strengthening local healthcare access, Angela is proud to be part of High Plains Community Health Center and its mission to provide quality healthcare services to the surrounding service area. Having grown up in Lamar, she maintains deep roots in the community and a strong personal connection to the people the clinic serves.
