Hawaii Health Systems Corporation Executive and Leadership Team

Derek Akiyoshi, the Chief Executive Officer at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire nine-facility network. Akiyoshi manages the integration of regional systems, ensuring that Hilo Medical Center, Kona Community Hospital, and other regional entities maintain consistent standards of patient care. By aligning clinical outcomes with fiscal sustainability, the Chief Executive Officer drives long-term growth across the Pacific region. Akiyoshi collaborates with the Board to refine healthcare delivery models, focusing on the unique needs of the diverse island populations. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while expanding access to specialized medical services. Through rigorous oversight of regional operations, Derek Akiyoshi secures the operational integrity of the organization. Ultimately, Akiyoshi fosters a culture of excellence that supports the mission of providing comprehensive health services to the people of Hawaii.

Edward Chu, the Chief Financial Officer at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, oversees the financial health and fiscal planning for the entire nine-facility network. Chu manages capital budgeting, revenue cycle optimization, and financial reporting to ensure the long-term viability of regional systems like the East Hawaii and Kauai operations. By analyzing market trends and healthcare reimbursement models, the Chief Financial Officer develops strategies to maximize resource efficiency. Chu collaborates with the executive team to allocate funds toward critical infrastructure upgrades and medical technology investments. This leadership role involves maintaining transparency with state stakeholders and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. Edward Chu drives the fiscal discipline required to sustain high-quality care across diverse geographic locations. Through rigorous financial oversight, Chu secures the economic foundation that allows the organization to continue serving the healthcare needs of the community.

Anne Lopez, the Chief Operating Officer at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, manages the daily operational workflows across all nine hospital facilities. Lopez coordinates resource allocation between the East Hawaii, West Hawaii, Oahu, and Kauai regional systems to optimize patient throughput and facility efficiency. By streamlining supply chain logistics and clinical support services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every hospital maintains high operational readiness. Lopez monitors performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement, directly impacting the quality of care delivered to patients. This role requires constant coordination with regional administrators to address infrastructure needs and staffing requirements. Anne Lopez executes strategic initiatives that enhance the functionality of facilities like Leahi Hospital and Maluhia. Through meticulous management of daily activities, Lopez maintains the operational stability necessary for the organization to meet its public health obligations across the state.

Sylvia Sonnenschein, the Chief of Staff at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, facilitates communication between the executive leadership team and the medical staff across all regional systems. Sonnenschein coordinates clinical governance initiatives, ensuring that medical policies align with the broader mission of the organization. By managing the flow of information to the executive office, the Chief of Staff enables rapid decision-making regarding patient safety and clinical standards. Sonnenschein oversees the administrative functions of the medical staff offices, fostering collaboration between physicians and hospital management. This leadership role involves resolving complex organizational challenges and supporting the implementation of new clinical protocols. Sylvia Sonnenschein drives the alignment of medical practices with the strategic goals of the corporation. Through consistent engagement with clinical leaders, Sonnenschein ensures that the organization maintains high standards of medical excellence throughout the entire network of hospitals.

Carmen Wagner, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, directs the enterprise-wide talent strategy and workforce development initiatives. Wagner manages recruitment, retention, and labor relations for the entire organization, ensuring that all nine facilities remain adequately staffed with skilled medical professionals. By implementing comprehensive training programs and performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a culture of professional growth and employee engagement. Wagner oversees the development of compensation structures that remain competitive within the regional healthcare market. This leadership role involves navigating complex union negotiations and ensuring adherence to labor laws across the state. Carmen Wagner drives the organizational culture by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all hiring practices. Through strategic workforce planning, Wagner ensures that the organization possesses the human capital necessary to deliver exceptional patient care across all regional systems.

Juanita Lauti, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, leads the strategic integration of human resources policies with the broader corporate mission. Lauti focuses on executive leadership development and succession planning to ensure the continuity of management across the nine-facility network. By designing advanced talent acquisition strategies, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer attracts top-tier medical and administrative professionals to the organization. Lauti oversees the implementation of wellness programs that support the physical and mental health of the workforce. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to align human capital investments with the long-term growth objectives of the corporation. Juanita Lauti drives the modernization of HR technology platforms to improve administrative efficiency. Through proactive talent management, Lauti strengthens the organizational capacity to meet the evolving healthcare demands of the state.

Lorene Siaw, the Vice Chief of Staff at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, supports the clinical leadership team in maintaining high standards of patient care across all regional facilities. Siaw assists in the oversight of medical staff credentialing and peer review processes to ensure compliance with national healthcare standards. By facilitating communication between the medical staff and hospital administration, the Vice Chief of Staff helps resolve operational bottlenecks that impact clinical workflows. Siaw participates in the development of clinical policies that enhance patient safety and quality outcomes. This leadership role involves providing administrative support for medical committees and ensuring that clinical initiatives align with the strategic goals of the organization. Lorene Siaw drives the implementation of best practices in medical governance. Through dedicated support of the clinical leadership, Siaw ensures that the organization remains committed to providing superior medical services to the community.

Tai Vuniwai, the Regional Chief Human Resources Officer at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, manages human resources operations specifically for the East Hawaii and West Hawaii regional systems. Vuniwai oversees local recruitment efforts and employee relations, ensuring that facilities like Hilo Medical Center and Kona Community Hospital maintain optimal staffing levels. By addressing the unique labor challenges inherent in these specific regions, the Regional Chief Human Resources Officer supports the operational stability of the local hospitals. Vuniwai implements localized training programs that enhance the skills of the regional workforce. This leadership role involves coordinating with the corporate HR office to ensure consistency in policy application while respecting regional nuances. Tai Vuniwai drives the retention of key medical personnel through targeted engagement initiatives. Through focused regional management, Vuniwai ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the mission of providing high-quality care to the local populations.

Ryker Wada, the Regional Chief Human Resources Officer at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, directs human resources functions for the Oahu and Kauai regional systems. Wada manages the complex staffing requirements for facilities such as Leahi Hospital and Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, ensuring that each location operates with the necessary clinical expertise. By developing regional recruitment strategies, the Regional Chief Human Resources Officer addresses the specific talent needs of these island communities. Wada oversees the administration of benefits and employee support services to maintain high morale among the staff. This leadership role involves collaborating with regional administrators to resolve labor issues and improve workplace safety. Ryker Wada drives the implementation of standardized HR processes across the assigned regions. Through effective management of the regional workforce, Wada ensures that the organization continues to deliver reliable healthcare services to the residents of Oahu and Kauai.

Jennifer Mariano, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, oversees the strategic design of employee compensation and benefits programs for the entire organization. Mariano focuses on creating a total rewards framework that attracts and retains high-performing staff across all nine facilities. By analyzing market data and industry benchmarks, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization remains a competitive employer in the healthcare sector. Mariano manages the administration of complex health and retirement plans, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. This leadership role involves working closely with the finance department to balance labor costs with the need for high-quality staffing. Jennifer Mariano drives the development of employee recognition programs that celebrate excellence in patient care. Through the strategic management of compensation and benefits, Mariano supports the overall mission of the organization by fostering a stable and motivated workforce.