Ali`i Health Center CEO Earns ‘Irish 40 Under 40’ Recognition

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, CEO of Ali`i Health Center, Clayton McGhan, was recognized recently by “Irish 40 under 40,” a celebration of Irish and Irish Americans who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields of work before reaching the age of 40.

The award was presented by The Irish Echo and Partners.

Representing Hawai‘i, McGhan was awarded at the 15th Annual Awards on Feb. 25 in New York City.

President and CEO of Ali`i Health Center, McGhan entered the healthcare field from humble beginnings, a news release on the award stated. He started his healthcare journey as a volunteer, handing out blankets and comfort in the emergency department at a community hospital in Kona.

Rotating as a volunteer into a number of departments within the hospital, Clayton was noticed by executive leadership because of his desire to serve others with kindness and dignity, the release stated. Clayton was hired at the hospital as the assistant to the nurse administrator, eventually working his way up to the executive assistant to the regional CEO. Soon after, Clayton was asked to lead Ali`i Health Center, West Hawai’i’s largest multispecialty healthcare clinic where he currently manages over 35 physicians and providers and over 100 total employees.

He is an active member in the community, serving on the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and as the chairman of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Health and Wellness Committee.

Clayton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in healthcare administration and a Master of Science degree in healthcare administration from Grand Canyon University. He is currently working towards his  board certification with the American College of Healthcare Executives.