Board chair names Dr Anderson Executive Director of LBJ board

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On her last day as a member of the LBJ Medical Center board of directors, Mar. 30, Dr. Jean Anderson also received a new appointment, as “executive director” to the board, according to a statement by board chairman, Dr. Malouamaua ‘Malo’ Tuiolosega.

In a separate internal memorandum, also on Mar. 30, LBJ acting chief executive officer, Dr. Akapusi Ledua announced Dr. Anderson’s new post to all chiefs, directors, management and staff of LBJ via the hospital Board of Directors.

Dr. Tuiolosega — on behalf of the board of directors — announced Dr. Anderson’s new appointment post, saying: “In an unwavering effort towards the improvement of LBJ to realize the mission to provide patient focused, comprehensive, high-quality, cost-effective health care and related services that address the health needs of the people we serve.”

He pointed to local law — A.S.C.A 13.0102(4) and (5) — which gives the board, broad authority to hire and supervise employees as necessary to fulfill its duties.

“Exercising this authority,” he explained, the board “requested the continued service and support” of Dr. Anderson to serve as the executive director for the LBJ board of directors.

“Having demonstrated her commitment to both LBJ and the American Samoa community through her invaluable service as Vice Chair of the LBJ Board over the past two years, Dr. Anderson is ideally suited for this position,” Dr. Tuiolosega pointed out.

He explained that the board has determined that Dr. Anderson’s “expertise in program consultation, development and support; extensive experience as a health care provider; and given the foundational knowledge and understanding afforded to her as a former board member, she is uniquely qualified to provide expert advice and consultation related to the operation of the Medical Center to meet its obligations” under current law - A.S.C.A 13.0101.

As the executive director to the LBJ board, Dr. Anderson will provide direct support and assistance to the Board and LBJ leadership. In addition, she may serve as a liaison for the LBJ administration and leadership.

“Dr. Anderson will report directly to the board and perform duties and tasks as director by the board,” he said, and noted that such duties may include but are not limited to providing technical assistance and support to the LBJ chief executive officer, chief medical officer and chief financial officer who are hired directly by the Board of Directors.”

Dr. Tuiolosega concluded that the board is honored that Dr. Anderson has accepted the board’s request, and appreciates her ongoing and unwavering commitment to LBJ.

As for Dr. Ledua’s internal memo, he said that Dr. Anderson brings to the position years of experience in mental health services as well as a wealth of capabilities in the healthcare industry both local and abroad.

According to the memo, Dr. Anderson has been providing direct services of consultation and training on island for over 20 years and served as an “honorable member of the American Samoa Medical Center Board for 2 years.”

“I have the confidence that the selection from the Board of Directors had undoubtedly rendered an impartial, thorough, and excellent choice for such a demanding position,” wrote Dr. Ledua — who left the territory last Thursday night for a meeting in Honolulu.

In conclusion, Dr. Ledua wrote: “Please join me in congratulating Dr. Jean Anderson in her new but challenging role as Executive Director and likewise, I respectfully ask all staff to welcome and extend her your usual support, patience, and cooperation.”

BACKGROUND

Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga has nominated Dr. Patrick P. Pedro to the LBJ Medical Center board of directors, replacing board member, Malouamaua Dr. P. Tuiolosega, whose term expired March 2, 2023, according to the governor’s Mar. 28 nomination letter to Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean.

The governor’s nomination of Pedro is expected to be introduced in the Senate in the coming days. Additionally, the nomination is effective “immediately” and his term will expire Mar. 02, 2027.

As previously reported by Samoa News, the governor had initially nominated Dr. Victor Terenuku Tofaeono to replace Dr. Tuiolosega — the current LBJ board chairman — but Lemanu later rescinded the nomination. To date, there’s been no official explanation from the Governor’s Office as to the decision to rescind Dr. Tofaeono’s nomination.

In the meantime, the governor’s nominee, Dr. Aifili John Tufa was passed by the Senate last month (March) to replace Dr. Jean Anderson as a member of the LBJ Board. As noted, Dr. Anderson’s term expired on Mar. 30, 2023, the same day her new appointment as the board’s executive director began.