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Sasamoto is CHCC’s new CFO
The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. has hired Derek Sasamoto to be the corporation’s new chief financial officer.
Sasamoto, the former finance and budget director of the Public School System, took over the CFO position last Dec. 5.
Sasamoto said he took on the position because of his genuine interest and aspiration to assist the islands’ lone public hospital.
“If I can achieve success within my areas of responsibility as CFO, then that success equates to success for CHCC and our hospital. This success then translates into improved services and care for our community,” said Sasamoto in an email message.
“I simply want our hospital to succeed in order to benefit our community as a whole,” he added.
Sasamoto conceded that there will be challenges but he is willing to take the time to help improve CHCC’s financials.
“It will take time but I believe I have the background and experience to hopefully improve things at CHCC,” he said. “I am prepared to battle through all the challenges in the hopes of improving CHCC financially and in terms of compliance.”
CHCC chief executive officer Esther Muña said she is excited to have Sasamoto on the CHCC staff.
“His vast experience of working in government, health accounting, and audit as well as his knowledge in business administration, will help CHCC,” said Muña.
“With a strong fiscal team, led by Derek [Sasamooto] , CHCC will be successful in its mission to improve the health of our people,” she added.
Sasamoto said he is also excited to start working with Muña.
“Based on my interactions with the CEO thus far, I truly believe in her leadership. She is a real CEO. She is very supportive and I can see she expects a lot, which of course should be expected. We are serving the community and it is our responsibility to perform for everyone’s benefit,” said Sasamoto.
Sasamoto has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in business administration, both from Gonzaga University in Washington.
Sasamoto served as comptroller for the Commonwealth Ports Authority and director of finance for the PSS prior to applying for the CFO position at CHCC. Sasamoto has also served as an analyst for the Office of the Public Auditor.
