The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority has named Dr. Joleen M. Aguon as its interim chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1, following action by the Board of Trustees at its regular meeting last week. Aguon, a longtime physician and hospital leader, will oversee the island’s only public hospital while the search for a permanent CEO continues.
Aguon brings years of clinical and administrative experience to the role, having served as GMHA’s COVID-19 medical director, associate administrator of clinical and medical services, and medical director of multiple hospital units. She continues to practice as a pulmonary and critical care specialist. “Every patient who comes through GMH deserves safe, reliable, compassionate care,” Aguon said. “My focus as interim CEO is to fight for both patients and staff and lay the roadmap for the permanent CEO.”
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero praised Aguon’s appointment and expressed gratitude to outgoing administrator Lillian Perez-Posadas for her leadership. “Dr. Joleen Aguon has dedicated her career to caring for our people with compassion and excellence, and I have full confidence she will lead GMHA with the same heart and professionalism,” the governor said. She credited Perez-Posadas for guiding the hospital through “the most challenging times.”
The GMHA Executive Management Council also voiced support for Aguon, noting the hospital’s strength comes from its workforce. In her new role, Aguon will collaborate with hospital leaders and staff to strengthen operations, expand innovation in patient care and build community trust. “The strength of our hospital lies in the people we serve and the people who serve here,” Aguon said.