STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1979

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 556, 557

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 556 and 557, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Health Planning Council, Tri-Isle Subarea

G.M. No. 556	FRANCINE JOHANSEN, for a term to expire 06-30-2026; and
G.M. No. 557	ROBERT SHRODER, for a term to expire 06-30-2025,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Francine Johansen and Robert Shroder for service on the Health Planning Council, Tri-Isle Subarea.

FRANCINE JOHANSEN

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Francine Johansen from the State Health Planning and Development Agency.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Johansen's knowledge, experience, and passion for serving her community qualify her for appointment to the Health Planning Council, Tri-Isle Subarea. Ms. Johansen has been a registered nurse in Hawaii since 2013 and currently works as a Health Care Coordinator at AlohaCare, where she works closely with Hawaii's Medicaid and Medicare populations and providers. Prior to serving as a Health Care Coordinator, Ms. Johansen gained experience advocating for patients and coordinating care for clients with severe mental illness and basic health needs through her role as a Registered Nurse Case Manager at Mental Health Kokua. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Johansen serves as a volunteer with the ARISE Program, focusing on mental health awareness, and is certified in safetalk suicide prevention. Your Committee notes that Ms. Johansen has served as an interim member of the State Health Planning Council, Tri-Isle Subarea, since 2022 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Francine Johansen be appointed to the Health Planning Council, Tri-Isle Subarea, based on her professional experience and commitment to serving vulnerable populations of the State.

ROBERT SHRODER

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Robert Shroder from the State Health Planning and Development Agency.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Shroder's professional expertise and experience within the field of health care qualify him to be appointed to the Health Planning Council, Tri-Isle Subarea. Mr. Shroder holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration and a Master's degree in Hospital and Health Administration with a concentration in Finance. For nearly twenty years, Mr. Shroder served in numerous health care executive positions within Mercy Health – Youngstown, formerly Humility of Mary Health Partners, a large, multi-hospital system in Ohio. During his years serving as Administrator and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President of Operations, and, most recently, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Shroder has gained experience in assessing and responding to community needs. In addition to his executive expertise, Mr. Shroder brings to the Health Planning Council extensive experience serving on professional and community boards, including the Summa Health Board of Directors, American Hospital Association's Regional Policy Board, and Youngstown Warren Chamber of Commerce. Your Committee notes that Mr. Shroder has served as an interim member of the Health Planning Council, Tri-Isle Subarea, since 2022 and currently serves as its Vice Chair. Your Committee therefore recommends that Robert Shroder be appointed to the Health Planning Council, Tri-Isle Subarea, based on his extensive experience in hospital administration, proven leadership on the council, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

____________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair