Senate Confirms DOH Director and Deputy

Members of the State Senate unanimously confirmed Dr. Virginia Pressler as the Director of the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday, April 9.

Dr. Pressler previously served as the deputy director for Health Resources Administration at the DOH from 1999-2002.  She has previous experience as a banker, and as a private practice physician and associate professor of surgery.  She most recently served Hawai‘i Pacific Health as the executive vice president and chief strategic officer.

“She’s a powerful advocate for those who need health care. She’s been very close and embedded to the work we do here on coordinated care, always focusing on those who need it the most,” said Senator Josh Green (D 3rd District), chair of the Senate Health committee.

Dr. Pressler said she is honored and humbled to be serving the State.

“We have lots of exciting opportunities to improve the health of everyone in the State,” she said.

The Senate also confirmed Keith Yamamoto as the Deputy Director of the DOH.  Yamamoto is continuing his position held since 2011.