P r e s i d e n t ’ s M e s s a g e

George A. Zeppenfeldt-CesteroPresident, Association of HispanicHealthcare Executives and President &CEO, National Hispanic Chamber ofCommerce on Health

Lynda BaqueroNews ReporterNews 4 New York

In an interview with Lynda Baquero of NBC News, George Zeppenfeldt-Cestero, President of AHHE and NHCCH, highlightsachievements, underscores challenges, and peeks at future undertakings of the Association and Chamber as they pursuetheir complementary missions.

Baquero: George, today your organizations are hosting their 8th Annual Healthcare Diversity Awards Gala in the most ethnicallydiverse city in the world. Congratulations on this milestone and the achievements you have reached. Your theme this year is “HealthcareLeaders Championing Coverage for the Uninsured.” How are you addressing this issue?

Zeppenfeldt-Cestero: At the close of our 2007 gala, we made a conscious decision to tackle this issue by applying forfoundation funding to address coverage of “hard to reach” workers. Over a third of New York State’s 1.2 million Hispanicworkers and their dependents have no health insurance. Of the 700,000 uninsured Hispanics in New York State, 500,000 arein New York City. Many of these uninsured individuals may qualify for public insurance. Although 900,000 Hispanics in NewYork are in public insurance programs, many more qualify. Low-wage workers may not know about programs or believe theydo not qualify. Two recent proposals by AHHE to the New York State Health Foundation, in partnership with national healthinsurance organizations, schools of public health, our affiliate hospital members and NYC business agencies, would haveencouraged insurance enrollment through effective and culturally sensitive materials and educational forums to Hispanicchambers of commerce and professional membership organizations and would have targeted 2,250 employers and 12,375workers to increase enrollment by 3%. Unfortunately, both submissions were unsuccessful. There are close to 1130,000Hispanic-owned businesses in New York City which would have been targeted by our proposal. In both cases, we wereinformed that we were unknown to foundations and our staff was too small to be considered. This was a particularly difficultmessage to receive given both our standing within the Hispanic business community and the stakeholders we hadassembled from government, the private sector and the business community. We will continue to be strong advocates dorcoverage of the uninsured and will seek to educate the foundation community on the merits of engaging Hispanic-ledorganizations as partners to address these and other health issues impacting Hispanic-led non-profits.

Baquero: I would like to better understand your mission and what work has yet to be achieved.

Zeppenfeldt-Cestero: Our missions focus on developing and mentoring the educational pipeline, identifying a pool ofcandidates for senior leadership opportunities and advocating for greater diversity in board governance within health careinstitutions. Similarly, the Chamber’s goal are to both identify business opportunities within the hospital, pharmaceutical,managed care and medical sectors and encourage business owners to cover their employees, and their dependents, ingovernment-sponsored or private sector health plans. AHHE has participated in the Greater New York Hospital Association’s(GNYHA) Summer Enrichment Program, established the Managers Council and formed the Hospital Trustee Council. On theChamber’s side, working with the GNYHA, we held the region’s first hospital supplier diversity forum in November 2007 andon September 16, 2008, we will be holding our second forum in conjunction with GNYHA and the American College ofHealthcare Executives. As we move forward, we look to expanding our reach to other states and fostering our leadershippipeline.

Baquero: At the gala, you will announce a Roundtable on Diversity in Philanthropy. Why do think that this is necessary?

Zeppenfeldt-Cestero: A study by the Greenlining Institute in California conducted a study of foundation giving to minority-lead organizations and found that the top 50 foundations in the country invested only 3% of their dollars in minority-ledorganizations. In May of this year, Hispanic Business magazine disclosed that a “disturbing 1.2% of the donations from

national foundations go to Hispanic nonprofits”. In a follow up analysis by the Greenlining Institute of the top 12 New Yorkbased foundations, 8.59% of their New York grants were allocated to minority-led non-profits. Our newly establishedRoundtable on Diversity in Philanthropy will work towards examining the funding issues, meeting with foundationrepresentatives and elected officials, and developing appropriate strategies to address these disparities which have a majorimpact on the growth of our organizations.

Baquero: Do you see any progress in diversifying leadership in the healthcare workforce?

Zeppenfeldt-Cestero: It would be easy for me to answer your question with a simple yes or no but, in fact, I need to addressthis in the context of where we were on this issue three years ago and where we are today. In December 2004, the PuertoRican Legal Defense and Education Fund issued the report, Condition Critical: The Absence of Latinos Among Policymakersin New York City Voluntary Hospitals. As a result of that report, the GNYHA responded by creating the Task Force on Diversityin Healthcare Leadership, which established a Leadership Academy at Baruch College. They have been proactive indiversifying hospital boards by identifying candidates and being a strong catalyst on supplier diversity. However, the one areawhich we still need greater advancement is in diversifying senior leadership. We still have few Latinos in senior managementboth in the private/non-profit and public hospitals.

Baquero: Why is there a strategic partnership between the Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives (AHHE) and the NationalHispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health (NHCCH)?

Zeppenfeldt-Cestero: As I discussed earlier, AHHE’s mission is two-fold. We are committed to developing the educationalpipeline for health care executives and insuring that, with the proper academic background and experience, they will beserious candidates for senior leadership in America’s hospital and health care systems. To accomplish this we have to haveboth the support of a diverse hospital governance and senior management receptive to mentor our leaders. By leveragingthe constituencies of both organizations, we are able to reinforce those dual missions.

Baquero: What issues are impeding the growth of Hispanic-led non-profits?

Zeppenfeldt-Cestero: Funding for capacity building and program development, as with other non-profits, continues to beour greatest challenges. It has prevented us from securing permanent office space and developing a team of interns tomentor.

Baquero: What are you doing to grow your organizations?

Zeppenfeldt-Cestero: We have identified a variety of initiatives for funding. These include a National HispanicProvider/Employer Roundtable on Health Insurance (Hispanic Health Professional Association Presidents and HispanicChamber Presidents), development of our Managers Council, State Delegate Network, and Hospital Trustee Council; supportfor our Spokesperson for Nurse Recruitment, Pharmaceutical/Hospital Regional Supplier forums and Hispanic ChamberPresidents Regional Health Insurance Legislative summits; and expansion of our Latino Health and Business E-News.

Baquero: Is there anything else you would like to address, closing remarks?

Zeppenfeldt-Cestero: Yes, I would like to thank our sponsors and Affiliate Members for their continued support duringthese difficult economic times. In particular, I greatly appreciate those hospitals which have continued to nominate a managerto be recognized at our gala. We hope that those hospitals which have decided not to recognize a manager this year,particularly Downstate and Queens Health Network, will re-examine that decision for next year. Our Managers Council,chaired by Andres Nieto of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospitaland Clara Irizzary of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center,represent the future governance of AHHE and the new wave of Hispanic C-suite candidates. I also want to acknowledge ourNational Partners, Prudential Financial, which has literally been a “Rock” to us, as our most committed and long-lastingsupporter, and Aetna, who joined us last year as a National Partner and has provided critical support through the AetnaFoundation to continue our work. Every year we ask our Affiliate Members to renew their affiliate dues and support our galathrough non-profit sponsorship. That financial support is the foundation which allows us to develop partnerships, create newcommunication vehicles, such as our websites and monthly e-news, and address leadership development. Our galacommittee, board of directors, and advisory council have been the source of inspiration and motivation to continue ourmission. To them and to the many colleagues who have encouraged our work, I am most appreciative. Thank you, Lynda.

Baquero: Well, George, I commend the tenacity of the leadership of your organizations to insure that the vision of AHHE and theChamber to develop Hispanic leaders in the health care industry is realized, in spite of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Your futureplans demonstrate your commitment to turn obstacles into opportunities in order to fulfill your objectives. In collaboration with yourpartners, may you experience many successes in the coming year.

P r e s i d e n t ’ s M e s s a g e

W e l c o m e

Luis A. VazquezChairman of the BoardNational Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health

Dear Friends and Colleauges,

It is my sincere pleasure to welcome you on this evening of tribute and celebration!

On behalf of the Chamber and the Association, congratulations to all of our honorees; it is a privilege to host this event andset aside time to publicly recognize the hard work, commitment and accomplishments of fellow healthcare professionals whoare making a difference.

We especially want to thank our sponsors, our President, our directors and committee members, and our volunteers, withoutwhom this evening would not have been possible. Your commitment to the Association and Chamber’s constituentsencourages us as we pursue our challenging missions to foster the development of Hispanic leaders in the healthcareindustry, seek business opportunities in the health and medical sector, and encourage business owners to provide insuranceto their employees.

It is also gratifying to witness that the involvement of advocacy organizations and the community at large have underscoredthe plight of the medically underserved in America, making it one of the top priority issues in this year’s presidentialcampaign. It is a positive indication that, with the assistance of organizations like ours, the people’s voice continues to bestrong and united on the issue of healthcare disparities.

Again, thank you for gracing this event with your presence and for your continued support and commitment to timely, quality,compassionate, and culturally-sensitive health care for all of our citizens.

I hope you will enjoy the evening’s program. And…please don’t forget to celebrate YOUR part in making this eveninghappen!

Muchas gracias and God Bless,

Luis A. VazquezChairman of the BoardNational Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health

PROGRAM

MASTER OF CEREMONIESMonica Morales

Reporter, NewsChannel 4

RECEPTION REMARKSThe Honorable David Yassky

Chairman, Committee on Small BusinessNew York City Council

Glenis HenriquesDirector, External Affairs

New York City Department ofSmall Business Services

AWARDS DINNERPledge of Allegiance

Tiffany Andrade, RN

WELCOME GREETINGSGeorge A. Zeppenfeldt-Cestero

National PresidentAssociation of Hispanic Healthcare Executives

President & CEONational Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health

Luis A. VazquezChairman of the Board

National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health

KEYNOTE SPEAKERThe Honorable Charles B. Rangel

Chairman, Committee on Ways and MeansUnited States House of Representatives

REMARKS FROM REGIONAL PARTNERSPrudential Financial

Aetna

REMARKS FROM MANAGERS COUNCIL CO-CHAirsAndres R. Nieto

Director, Community Health Outreach & MarketingNewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Ambulatory Care Network

Clara IrizarryAdministrative Manager

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

RECOGNITION OF HOSPITAL TRUSTEE COUNCIL CO-CHAIRSHenry Calderon

The Mount Sinai Hospital Center

Shirley Rodriguez-RemeneskiBronx-Lebanon Hospital Center

AWARDS PRESENTATION

LEGISLATIVE LEADERS OF THE YEARThe Honorable Joseph F. Vitale (D-NJ)Deputy Majority Leader in the Senate

New Jersey State Senate

The Honorable Dean G. Skelos (R-NY)Deputy Majority Leader in the Senate

for Legislative OperationsNew York State Senate

Corporate CEO of the YearC. Robert Henrikson

Chairman & CEOMetLife Inc.

HOSPITAL CEO OF THE YEARJose R. Sanchez, LMSW, ACSW

Senior Vice PresidentGenerations+ Health Care Network

CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEARMorris County Hispanic-American

Chamber of Commerce

MANAGED CARE EXECUTIVE OF THE YEARJ. Emilio Carrillo, MD, MPH

President & Chief Medical OfficerNewYork-Presbyterian Community Health Plan

MANAGERS OF THE YEAR RECOGNITIONSBrenda Alvarez, BA

Director, Business Support ServicesLutheran HealthCare

Mikey BocachicaDeputy Chief Financial Officer

Lincoln Medical & Mental Health CenterGenerations+ Health Care Network

Lillian Diaz, BSN, MBADirector, Cardiac/Critical Care

Patient Care ServicesNorth Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System

Juan FerrerDirector, Supply Chain

Continuum Health Partners

Hilda FigueroaAdministrator, Academic AdministrationMemorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Minerva FigueroaManager, NYU Institute for

Community Health & ResearchNew York University School of Medicine

Ibet Hernandez, LMSWNetwork Social Work Director

Medicine & PsychiatryBronx-Lebanon Hospital Center

Minerva JoubertAssistant Director

Department of Public AffairsSouth Manhattan Healthcare Network

Bellevue Hospital Center

Juan Mejia, MPHDirector, Operations

NewYork-Presbyterian HospitalColumbia University Medical Center

Angelo Ortiz, BS, RTAdministrator, Department of Radiology

The Mount Sinai Hospital Center

Maria Pineiro, MPHSenior Associate Director, AIDS Center Program

Woodhull Medical & Mental Health CenterNorth Brooklyn Health Network

Aida Roman-Ryan, LCSWDirector, Case ManagementMaimonides Medical Center

Association of Hispanic Healthcare ExecutivesGeorge A. Zeppenfeldt-Cestero

National President

Nilda I. Soto, MS EdVice President

Nelson Vega GarciaTreasurer

Michael MelendezSecretary

Ray Esteves, RBNJeannette Marrero RN, MS

Jose Morales, Jr.Christopher R. Rodriguez

Manuel A. Rosa

NATIONAL HISPANIC CHAMBEROF COMMERCE ON HEALTH

Luis A. VazquezChair

George A. Zeppenfeldt-Cestero President and CEO

Daniel GarciaVice President

Jeannette Marrero, RN, MSTreasurer

National Hispanic Chamberof Commerce on Health Council

Don Martinez, CPCLa Mirada, California

Christopher R. RodriguezHighland Village, Texas

Ricardo Trinidad Chicago, Illinois

Pete VelezKissimmee, Florida

Hospital Trustee CouncilHenry Calderon

Mt. Sinai Medical Center

Shirley Rodriguez-RemeneskiBronx-Lebanon Hospital Center

(Co-Chairs)

National ProfessionalAssociation Partners

Association of Hispanic Mental Health ProfessionalsAssociation of Latin American Pharmacies

Hispanic Dental AssociationNational Association of Hispanic NursesNational Hispanic Medical Association

The Dominican Medical Association, Inc

National Hispanic Chamberof Commerce on Health Advisors

Esperanza Porras-Field, ChairPaul Jenner, CPA

David A. Stern, Esq.Pete Velez

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Honorary GALA COMMITTEEEd Diaz

Luis Diaz, Esq.Alex Garcia

Alfred Placeres, Esq. Alfredo Rodriguez

Shirley Rodriguez-Remeneski

AHHE Affiliate Members ARO Community Services

Bellevue Hospital Center/South Manhattan Healthcare Network

Bronx-Lebanon Hospital CenterContinuum Health Partners, Inc.Generations + Health Network

Greater New York Hospital Association VenturesIntraMed Educational Group

Lutheran Medical CenterMaimonides Medical Center

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer CenterNew York Organ Donor Network

Saint Barnabas HospitalThe Mount Sinai Medical Center

Witt/Kieffer Executive SearchWoodhull Hospital and Health Center/North Brooklyn

Health Network

NHCCH AFFILIATE MEMBERSWoodhull Medical and Mental Health Center

North Brooklyn Health NetworkMaimonides Medical Center

AHHE/NHCCH Corporate PartnersAetna

Prudential FinancialNewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

NewYork-Presbyterian Community Health PlanNorth Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System

ROUNDTABLE ON DIVERSITY INPHILANTHROPY

(List in Formation)George A. Zeppenfeldt-Cestero

Association of Hispanic Healthcare ExecutivesNational Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health

Chair

Rosa M. Gil, DrSWComunilife, Inc.

Suleika Driane-CabreraInstitute for Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly

Debbie DelgadoLatino Organization for Liver Awareness (LOLA)

Mariano Rey, MDNYU School of Medicine

Institute of Community Health and Research

Paloma HernandezUrban Health Plan

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONSAsian American Business Development CenterNYC Department of Small Business Services

GALA BENEFIT COMMITTEELuis A. Vazquez, Chair

Michele B. Anderson, RN, PhDDaniel Garcia

Nelson Vega Garcia Jeannette Marrero, RN, MS

Migdalia Onofrietti Christopher R. Rodriguez

A H H E / N H C C H, P.O. Bo x 2 3 0 8 3 2 , An s o n i a S t a t i o n , New Yo r k , NY 1 0 0 2 3T : 2 1 2 . 87 7. 1 6 1 5 • F : 2 1 2 . 87 7. 2 4 0 6 • www. n h c c h . c om a n d www. a h h e . o r g

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS PARTNERthevoxcollective

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONSCasa De Vinos

K e y n o t e s p e a k e r

Congressman Charles B. RangelChairman, Committee on Ways and MeansUnited States House of Representatives

Congressman Charles B. Rangel is serving his 19th term as the Representative from the 15th Congressional District,comprising East and Central Harlem, the Upper West Side, and Washington Heights/Inwood. He is the Chairman of theCommittee on Ways and Means, Chairman of the Board of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Deanof the New York State Congressional Delegation. Congressman Rangel is the principal author of the five billion dollar FederalEmpowerment Zone demonstration project to revitalize urban neighborhoods throughout America. He is also the author ofthe Low Income Housing Tax Credit, which is responsible for financing ninety percent of the affordable housing built in theU.S. in the last ten years. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which Congressman Rangel also championed, has providedthousands of jobs for underprivileged young people, veterans, and ex-offenders.

As the former chairman of the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control, Congressman Rangel continues to leadthe nation's fight against drug abuse and trafficking. In his efforts to reduce the flow of drugs into the United States and tosolve the nation's continuing drug abuse crisis, Congressman Rangel serves as chairman of the Congressional NarcoticsAbuse and Control Caucus.

Congressman Rangel is a founding member and former chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus; he was also chairmanof the New York State Council of Black Elected Democrats and was a member of the House Judiciary Committee during thehearings on the articles of impeachment of President Richard Nixon.

Congressman Rangel served in the U.S. Army from 1948-52, during which time he fought in Korea and was awarded thePurple Heart and Bronze Star. Congressman Rangel has authored several pieces of legislation to benefit minority and womenveterans, including a successful bill that established the Office of Minority Affairs Within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In 1987, at the height of the battle against apartheid, Congressman Rangel led the effort to include in the Internal revenueCode one of the most effective anti-apartheid measures, denial of tax credits for taxes paid to South Africa. This measureresulted in several Fortune 500 companies leaving South Africa. In addition, Congressman Rangel played a vital role inrestoring the democratic government in Haiti.

Congressman Rangel is a graduate of New York University and St. John's University School of Law. He has spent his entirecareer in public service, first as an Assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, and later in the New YorkState Assembly. He was elected to the 92nd Congress on November 3, 1970, and has been re-elected to each succeedingcongress.

Congressman Rangel lives in Harlem with his wife Alma, who is a founding member of the Congressional Black CaucusSpouses and participates in many civic and community organizations. Congressman and Mrs. Rangel have two children.

H o n o r a r y G u e s t

Tiffany Andrade, RNMiss New JerseyNational SpokespersonAssociation of Hispanic Healthcare Executives andNational Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health

Tiffany Andrade, 22, is a resident of Linden, New Jersey, and a 2003 Graduate of Linden High School. She is also a recentgraduate of Wagner College in Staten Island, New York, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Throughout herundergraduate studies, Tiffany was a recognized student leader on campus. She was the Recruitment Vice President of AlphaDelta Pi Sorority as well as Senior Panhellenic Delegate and Music Chair. Some other activities she has been involved withinclude Wagner College Fashion Show, Spanish Club, Peer Leader, and hip hop teacher at I.S. 51 in Staten Island.

Tiffany characterizes herself as an outgoing, passionate, and loving person. She considers dance to be her passion and hasbeen a trained dancer in ballet, jazz, and tap for over 15 years. Tiffany most recently mastered hip hop while performing withWagner College’s dance team at football and basketball games for the past four years. In her spare time she enjoys boating,reading, baking, and horseback riding.

Tiffany is extremely passionate about working with children. She is currently a Registered Nurse in the Pediatric IntensiveCare Unit at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center. Tiffany has been actively involved with severalcharitable organizations, such as the Ronald McDonald House, The Susan G. Komen Foundation that advocates for BreastCancer Awareness. She is looking forward to spending the year spreading awareness and raising funds for breast andovarian cancer.

Tiffany’s future goals include having a family someday and she also hopes to become a Nurse Practitioner. Tiffany feelsfortunate and honored to be representing the fabulous state of New Jersey at the Miss USA® pageant this spring!

Senator Joseph F. Vitale (D-NJ)Deputy Majority Leader in the SenateNew Jersey State Senate

Senator Vitale has been serving in the New Jersey Senate since 1998 and represents the 19th Legislative District in MiddlesexCounty. He is the Deputy Majority Leader and is the Chairman of the Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee.Senator Vitale is also a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Senator Vitale’s primary focus during his tenure has been fighting for quality and affordable health care for all New Jerseyans.As an advocate for under-served populations, Senator Vitale has put a priority on advancing systems to ensure the health ofchildren and adults, and has authored a diverse array of laws and policies to address those goals.

The Senator co-sponsored NJ KidCare, a health insurance program for children and later worked to expand that coverage tofamilies, in what became FamilyCare. In the spring of 2003, the Senator fought to save NJ FamilyCare from being abolished,and wrote the 2005 law reforming and expanding FamilyCare. He has also sponsored bills to improve patient safety in healthcare facilities including enhanced systems for reporting medical errors, electronic medical records, restricting the use offorced mandatory overtime for nurses, and creating protocols for responding to public health emergencies.

The Senator wrote New Jersey’s Bias Crimes Law, laws providing financial support for catastrophically injured crime victimsand the law protecting citizens from identity theft. He sponsored the legislation creating the office of the Child Advocate andre-establishing the Office of the Public Advocate, and after years of advocating on behalf of victims of child sex abuse, finallywon legislative approval that stripped away civil immunity protection for institutions that harbor child predators. In all,Senator Vitale has written over one hundred laws relating to health care, the environment, public safety and ethics reform.Currently, Senator Vitale is working toward bringing universal health care to over one million New Jerseyans and hasintroduced legislation currently under consideration.

Senator Vitale helped to establish the Middlesex County Habitat for Humanity and is a member of the board of advisors forthe Office of the Child Advocate, the Governor’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and Related Blood-Borne Pathogens, theAdvisory Council to promote the Profession of Nursing, and the Mandated Health Benefits Commission.

L e g i s l a t i v e L e a d e r o f t h e Y e a r A w a r d

L E G I S L A T I V E L E A D E R O F T H E Y E A R A W A R D

Senator Dean G. Skelos (R-NY)Deputy Majority Leader in the Senate for Legislative OperationsNew York State Senate

In November 2006, Senator Dean G. Skelos was re-elected to serve his twelfth term in the New York State Senate. Since 1995, SenatorSkelos has served as Senate Deputy Majority Leader for Legislative Operations. In this position, Senator Skelos leads the State Senate’slegislative proceedings and plays a central role in policy development.

In 2006, Senator Skelos had one of the most successful legislative sessions in history. He authored the nation’s most sweeping law to fightfraud, waste and abuse in the state’s Medicaid program—saving billions of dollars for state and local taxpayers. In addition, Senator Skeloswrote new laws eliminating the statute-of-limitations in cases of rape and violent sexual assault, establishing lifetime registration fordangerous sexual predators, dramatically expanding the state’s DNA Databank and posting information and photos about more sexoffenders on the internet.

During 2006, Senator Skelos also created the landmark new HELP program to make homeownership more affordable for Long Islanders andthe New York State Center for Excellence and Innovation in Homeland Security in Nassau County. Moreover, he successfully worked tosecure $35 million for the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Senator Skelos is widely recognized as a national leader for his work to ensure the safety of children. Among his numerous legislativeaccomplishments in this area, Senator Skelos wrote New York State’s Sex Offender Registration Act, or “Megan’s Law.” This powerful statuterequires the registration of convicted sex offenders upon their release from prison and provides mechanisms for community notification.

Since 1998, Senator Skelos has served as the State Senate’s representative on the four-member Metropolitan Transportation Authority(“MTA”) Capital Program Review Board. As a member of the Capital Program Review Board, Senator Skelos is responsible for reviewing,monitoring and approving the MTA’s multi-billion dollar five-year capital spending program. Through Senator Skelos’ leadership, the MTAis advancing its first major systems expansion in over 50 years.

In 1989, Senator Skelos was appointed Co-Chairman of the Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment. In thiscapacity, he was responsible for redrawing New York State's Senate, Assembly and congressional district boundaries following both the 1990and 2000 United States Census.

Prior to his appointment as Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Skelos chaired the Senate Standing Committee on Aging. As Chairman, SenatorSkelos authored the law establishing the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (“EPIC”) program. This historic initiative has madeprescription medications more affordable for hundreds of thousands of New York seniors. The EPIC program made Senator Dean Skelos ahousehold name within New York’s growing senior community.

To relieve the burden on hardworking Long Island taxpayers, Senator Skelos wrote the law eliminating the unfair New York City “CommuterTax” (saving commuters an average of $360 each year), led the effort to make college tuition tax deductible for all families, regardless ofincome or college choice and secured 28% of the School Tax Relief (“STAR”) program’s total, statewide property tax savings for Long Islandhomeowners (and 28% of the new STAR Rebate Program’s property tax savings). Further, Senator Skelos created the Nassau Interim FinanceAuthority and provided over $900 million in direct state aid and assistance to save Nassau County from bankruptcy.

Senator Skelos has worked to transform Long Island’s economy and promote the continued development of New York State's high-technology and biotechnology industries. In 2002, Senator Skelos announced his landmark “Long Island Biotech Investment and JobCreation Program.” This $71.5 million public-private partnership included $48 million in State funding to establish Long Island as the world'spreeminent center of biotechnology research, development and innovation. More recently, Senator Skelos chaired the New York StateSenate's NextGen Task Force and, in that capacity, crafted a comprehensive strategy to encourage the creation of high-paying technologyjobs.

Senator Skelos led the first joint conference committee designed to resolve differences between the Senate and Assembly regardingimportant legislation. As Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee on Breast Cancer and Pesticides, he was instrumental in the creation of theHealth Research Science Law—establishing the state’s Pesticide Registry and augmenting the efforts of New York scientists to investigatethe possible causes of cancer and, hopefully, find a cure.

Prior to his election to the State Senate in 1984, Senator Skelos represented New York State’s 19th Assembly District for two years.

Born, raised and educated in Rockville Centre, he graduated from South Side High School, Class of 1966. In 1970, Senator Skelos receiveda B.A. in History from Washington College in Maryland and, after attending at night, graduated from Fordham University School of Law witha Juris Doctorate Degree in 1975. That same year, Senator Skelos was admitted to practice law in New York State. He is currently of counselto the law firm of Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C. He is a member of the Valley Stream Elks, Sons of Italy, Rockville Centre Kiwanis and theOrder of AHEPA. Senator Skelos resides in Rockville Centre with his wife, Gail, and son, Adam.

His district office is located at 55 Front Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570; telephone: (516) 766-8383. His legislative office is located in Room503, State Capitol Building, Albany, NY 12247; telephone: (518) 455-3171.

As the Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Skelos is an ex officio member of all Senate Committees.

c o r p o r a t e c e o o f t h e y e a r a w a r d

C. Robert HenriksonChairman & CEOMetlLife, Inc.

C. Robert Henrikson, age 61, has been Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of MetLife and Metropolitan LifeInsurance Company since April 25, 2006. Previously, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of MetLife andMetropolitan Life Insurance Company from March 1, 2006, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from June2004, and President of its U.S. Insurance and Financial Services businesses from July 2002 to June 2004. He served asPresident of Institutional Business of MetLife from September 1999 to July 2002 and President of Institutional Business ofMetropolitan Life Insurance Company from May 1999 to June 2002. During his more than 30-year career with MetLife, Mr.Henrikson has held a number of senior positions in the Company's Individual, Group and Pension businesses. Mr. Henriksonis a Director of the American Council of Life Insurers, a Director Emeritus of the American Benefits Council, Chairman of theBoard of the Wharton School's S.S. Huebner Foundation for Insurance Education, a member of the Financial Services Forumand a Trustee of the American Museum of Natural History. He also serves on the National Board of Advisors at theMorehouse School of Medicine and the Board of Directors of The New York Philharmonic and The New York BotanicalGarden. Mr. Henrikson received a Bachelors Degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from EmoryUniversity School of Law. In addition, he is a graduate of the Wharton School's Advanced Management Program. He hasbeen a Director of MetLife since April 26, 2005, and a Director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company since June 1, 2005.

H o s p i t a l C E O o f t h e Y e a r A w a r d

Jose R. Sanchez, LMSW, ACSWSenior Vice PresidentGenerations+ Health Care Network

José R. Sánchez, LMSW, LMSW, has an extensive and successful trajectory in the public health field. Presently, he is SeniorVice President of the largest conglomerate of healthcare facilities in the New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation. Witha workforce of close to 9,000 (including Affiliate staff) and a budget of close to $870 million, he is charged with theoperational and fiscal oversight responsibility for three major acute care hospitals: Metropolitan Hospital Center inManhattan, Lincoln Medical & Mental Health Center in the Bronx, and Harlem Hospital Center in Central Harlem.

Mr. Sánchez first joined the New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation as Executive Director of North Central BronxHospital in Early 1996. By the end of 1996, he assumed the position of Executive Director of Metropolitan Hospital, and inMay 1997, Senior Vice President of the Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network. In 1998, Mr. Sánchez wasappointed Executive Director of Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center.

Under his leadership, the Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network’s acute care facilities have successfullyachieved Joint Commission accreditation, each with scores above the 90’s, excelling the national trend. Among his manyachievements, Mr. Sánchez has accomplished the expansion of primary care services, invested substantial resources ininfrastructure improvements, and implemented state-of-the-art technologies to create greater efficiencies and improvedpatient care.

In addition to three acute care hospitals, the Network comprises three large ambulatory care centers that include Morrisania,Segundo Ruiz Belvis, and Renaissance Diagnostic & Treatment Centers as well as close to twenty community health centersin East Harlem, Northern Manhattan and the South Bronx.

An active member of several professional organizations, he has received numerous awards and recognition fromorganizations for his professional accomplishments. In May 1998, Mr. Sánchez was elected to the distinguished position ofboard member to the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation, representing the East HarlemCommunity and served as member until 2002. In January 2004, he was appointed Chairperson for the East Harlem BusinessDevelopment Corporation Board of Directors.

Mr. Sánchez’ most recent award is an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Thishonor is in recognition of his measurable accomplishments and steadfast commitment to improving the health status of thepoorest and most disadvantaged populations in New York City.

Mr. Sánchez is most proud of his 1996 Distinguished Award from his alma mater, Adelphi University. He earned his MastersDegree in Social Work from the Adelphi University School of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from CityCollege of New York.

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Rey CaudilloPresidentMorris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce

Today’s Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce is the embodiment of an idea that arose in the summer of1989. Little did the founding members realize what the future and importance of this Chamber would become, not only tothe Hispanic-owned small business community, but to all of Morris County and New Jersey. As a Chamber, we havecontinually been hailed by the USHCC as one of the Best Chambers in the Northeast, within Region V. This year at the 28thAnnual USHCC National Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, our Chamber was again voted the Best Medium HispanicChamber in Region V and more importantly, we were declared the 2007 Best National Medium Hispanic Chamber, an honorand award we should all be very proud of. This embodies our Chamber’s evolving history to be the best.

MCHACC has grown from an idea to a local, county, state, national and internationally renowned Chamber. At the mostrecent National USHCC Convention, we signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Toronto Hispanic Chamber ofCommerce that provides for mutual membership in each others respective Chamber. Next year we plan to do cross borderevents with our Canadian friends, promoting international trade. We are acknowledged as the leading Hispanic advocate forHispanic-owned businesses in Morris County and adjacent areas. With over 350 members in 2007, MCHACC is poised forfurther growth and success. We continue to be one of the most active Hispanic Chambers, offering over 20 annual eventsthat range from seminars, training, business incubation, procurement opportunities, business card exchanges, networkingevents and social/fundraising events. You can become a part of our growing successful history by becoming a member.

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Esperanza Porras-Field, DrSWMorris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce

Owner of HopeSeasons, LLC, Ms. Porras-Field has offered her support, love and dedication to the Chamber of Commercepremise, as the Founder and first President of the Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce and formermember the Board of Directors of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce & Foundation. She was the Chair ofthe 2006 National/International Convention & Business Expo, which was a complete success in Philadelphia, PA. As amember of the Board of Directors, she was the spokeswoman at the “XV Congreso de Comercio de Detallistas de lasAmericas” in Argentina, representing the United States.

She still remains active in many Hispanic Chambers. Ms. Porras-Field has been instrumental in the foundation anddevelopment of the following Chambers of Commerce: Morris, Bergen, Camden County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,Toronto Hispanic Chamber, Dominican Hispanic Chamber of NJ, Atlantic City Hispanic Chamber and the National HispanicChamber of Commerce on Health. She is a former Vice-President of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ.Currently, she is the Chair of the National Advisory Board of the National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health, Toronto,Canada Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Public & Private Alliance Foundation of the Dominican Republic. She hasbeen instrumental in the success of both organizations.

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J. Emilio Carrillo, MD, MPHPresident & CMO NewYork-Presbyterian Community Health Plan

Dr. J. Emilio Carrillo serves as President and Chief Medical Officer of the NewYork-Presbyterian Community Health Plan. Heis also Vice President of Community Health Development at the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Carrillo is an AssociateProfessor of Clinical Public Health, and Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Weill Medical College of CornellUniversity.

In 1994, Dr. Carrillo co-founded the Health Plan. He developed all of the medical management and quality improvementsystems and earned several awards for excellence in quality performance. As President he has grown the plan more thantenfold while maintaining operational success and quality excellence.

He graduated from Columbia College and received his M.D. and M.P.H. degrees from Harvard University, and subsequentlytrained in Internal Medicine at the Cambridge and Massachusetts General Hospitals. For ten years he served in the facultiesof Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, where he practiced and taught medicine. While there, healso administered primary care programs and conducted pioneering research on infant mortality prevention, smokingprevention and cross-cultural primary care.

In 1990, Dr. Carrillo was recruited through a national search to head the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. Asthe twelfth President of the nation's largest municipal hospital system, he implemented a multitude of health promotion andcultural competence initiatives, strengthened primary care services, and laid the foundation for managed care readiness.

Emilio was an original founder of the Boricua Health Organization. He later founded the Journal of Latin Community Healthand the Journal of Multicultural Community Health and now serves on the Board of Directors of the National HispanicMedical Association. Dr. Carrillo has served in many State and Federal advisory councils, including the NCI, National HeartLung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Centers for Health Statistics (NCHS), Agency for Health Research and Quality(AHRQ) and advisory groups to the Governors of Massachusetts and New York State. He has published widely, receivednumerous awards and has been appointed as a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine. Dr. Carrillo has also servedthe Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as a Senior Fellow in Residence - “Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthand Health Care”. He currently co-Chairs, the Steering Committee of the National Quality Forum’s project, “Endorsing aFramework and Preferred Practices for Measuring and Reporting Culturally Competent Care”.

Dr. Carrillo’s research and collaborations during his years at Harvard laid the foundation for Patient-Based Cross-CulturalHealthcare. He designed and collaborated in the implementation and application of a cross-cultural medicine curriculum thathas been adopted by many medical centers around the nation and has helped to define the fields of Cultural Competenceand Cross-Cultural Communication.

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Brenda Alvarez, Director of Business Support, has been at Lutheran Medical Center since 1989.

Ms. Alvarez started as a volunteer earning internship credit on Lutheran’s inpatient pediatric unit. While attending BaruchCollege at night, she began working, full time, as a Clerk in the Admitting department. After earning her Bachelor of Artsdegree from Baruch College, Ms. Alvarez was offered and accepted a Patient Service Associate position in the InsuranceVerification area of the Patient Accounts department. She was later promoted to supervisor.

During her tenure at Lutheran, Ms. Alvarez has earned promotions from Supervisor of Patient Accounts to Manager and,most recently, to her current position as Director of Business Support Services. Her responsibilities now include Admitting,Emergency Department registration and insurance verification.

Ms. Alvarez chairs the On-Trac Committee, which is charged with the monitoring of patient’s financial obligations. She alsoserves as an integral member of numerous hospital committees, including the patient flow committee, advance directivecommittee, bed board committee, the ED redesign committee, and the patient retention committee.

During her time away from her Lutheran Medical Center commitments, she enjoys spending time with her husband, AlexMedina, and their three children, Alex, Jason and Nicole. In her spare time she enjoys reading, the outdoors, and volunteering,most particularly at her children’s school.

Ms. Alvarez supports various charities including the American Cancer Society. Most recently, Brenda captained a team forthe Sunset Park Relay for Life, walking in memory of a co-worker who recently passed away.

Brenda Alvarez, BADirector, Business Support ServicesLutheran HealthCare

Mike Bocachica is a native Bronxite, born and raised in the Bronx and a product of the NYC Public School System. His mother,Felicita, died of breast cancer when he was only eleven years old which forced Mike to accept adult-like responsibilities atan early age. Driven by the work ethic instilled in him by his father Raul, he applied himself to his studies. Mike was a memberof the first full graduating class of the Murray Bergtraum High School for Business Careers and went on to achieve hisBachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Herbert H. Lehman College.

While pursuing his degree, Mike also worked at various community based organizations. At the age of 21, he authored hisfirst grant proposal which resulted in two-year funding for a community summer day camp for disadvantaged children in hisBronx community. In his senior year in college as a full-time student, he also worked full-time at a local health center wherehe achieved a reduction in accounts payable by nearly $1 million and in under 90 days. Mike later worked at the NYC Boardof Education as the District Business Manager for Community School District 12 and then for PROMESA, Inc., where he wasinstrumental in automating the Financial Reporting Process.

In 1992, Mike Bocachica joined the NYC Health & Hospitals Corporation at the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Diagnostic and TreatmentCenter. As a Systems Analyst he quickly moved up in the organization, was promoted to Assistant Director of Budget and, in1994, he became the Chief Financial Officer. Two years, later he became the Associate Executive Director of Operationsserving as Deputy to the Executive Director while maintaining his responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer. In 1998, he joinedthe Lincoln Hospital family as a Senior Associate Director in the Finance Department. Mike's hard work and diligence ledhim to become the hospital Controller and later the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, the capacity in which he now serves. Hehas also served as the Acting CFO of both Harlem and Metropolitan Hospitals. Mike's results-oriented, hands-on approachto management has been an invaluable asset to the Generations+ / Northern Manhattan Health Network

Away from the office, Mike is a member of Salem Assembly of God where he is a Sunday School Teacher for teens and directsa ministry called the Salem Coffee House which reaches teens through fellowship, music and comedy. He hosts an annualGospel Music street festival which is attended by over 7,000 people that has achieved international acclaim. Most recently hehas become a mentor for High School Seniors at his alma mater.

Mike insists that all of his accomplishments would mean nothing to him if he didn't have his family to share them with, hisloving wife of 22 years, Lucy, and his exceptional children, Mallorie, 19, and Michael, 18.

Mike BocachicaDeputy Chief Financial OfficerLincoln Medical & Mental Health Center/Generations+ Health Care Network

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Lillian has been a dedicated member of the North Shore University Hospital community of nurses since December 1991.Lillian received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing Degree from Downstate University and has just completed her Masterof Business Administration Degree at Saint Joseph’s College. Her clinical experiences are vast and include the EmergencyDepartment, Medical Intensive Care, Cardiothoracic Intensive Care, and Surgical Intensive Care. Additionally, Lillian has alsoheld progressive leadership roles that included Patient Care Manager of the Cardiothoracic Unit, Assistant Director of boththe Surgical Intensive Care Unit and 2 Cohen, a busy telemetry unit. In 2005, Lillian was promoted and is currently the Directorof the Cardiac/Critical Care Patient Care Services.

Lillian prides herself in working well with people and has used this skill to promote the Health System’s strategic goals. Heraccomplishments include facilitating the opening of 2 Cohen as a new telemetry unit, developing a Cardiac Staff EducationCommittee, and implementing remote telemetry monitoring. As a patient advocate, Lillian has always sought opportunitiesto improve the quality of patient care and has engaged in many opportunities to promote excellence, which are evidencedthrough her work with the CMS Core Measures, IHI 100,000 and subsequently, 5,000,000 Lives Campaign and the CriticalCare Fellowship program.

Lillian’s most recent accomplishments include the establishing and chairing of the Nursing Peer Review Committee. Thiscommittee reviews nursing practice as consistent with evidence-based professional standards and identifies systems orprocesses for improvement. Ms. Diaz is also an active participant in the North Shore University Hospital Professional Practicecommittee, which is charged with the selection and implementation of a new care model. She is also a founding member ofthe Committee on Professionalism, which formulated the Code of Professionalism. The Code addresses professionalrelationships, communication, behavior and teamwork, which are integral to the promotion of patient safety. Under Lillian’sdynamic leadership, following the tenants of the Code of Professionalism, a new model of care was established in theCardiothoracic Unit. This innovative model incorporates the use of Patient Care Associates at the bedside as well as a patientambulation program. As a result, the unit culture of CTU has dramatically changed, resulting in the increase of patient safety,employee satisfaction and retention. Lillian is a great leader, clinical expert, role model, and mentor.

Lillian Diaz, BSN, MBADirector, Cardiac/Critical Care Patient Care ServiceNorth Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System

Juan Ferrer joined St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in 1977 as a Unit Clerical Assistant. In 1988, he became Supervisor of CentralSupplies at St. Luke's Hospital. His dedication, aptitude and proficiency were noted and in 2000 he became the Manager ofthe Materials Management Department at the Hospital. After just one short year he was promoted once again to the positionof Assistant Director of Materials Management at the combined St. Lukes and Roosevelt Hospital sites. He continued in thisposition until 2004, when he was made the Director, Materials Management for both hospitals. In 2007, he was made theDirector, Supply Chain for all Continuum member-hospitals (Beth Israel Medical Center, St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals,Long Island College Hospital and the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary).

He is a high-school graduate who accomplished this with true “on-the-job” learning. Juan’s dedication to patient care issueshas fueled his rise through the ranks. He is well-liked and respected and is known for his willingness to always work towardsmaking current systems operate at peak efficiency for the betterment of both our patients and our staff.

Juan FerrerDirector, Supply ChainContinuum Health Partners

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Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is pleased to honor Hilda Figueroa, Administrative Manager from the Office ofAcademic Affairs. Ms. Figueroa is a 23-year veteran of MSKCC. She entered Memorial as a Data Manager on November24, 1986, and within a few short years was promoted to Administrative Manager in 1993.

Ms. Figueroa oversees the processing of all appointments, reappointments, terminations, salary revisions and other personnelactions of the Sloan Kettering Institute faculty, support faculty, research trainees, research associates and fellows, graduateresearch assistants, visiting investigators and senior research scientists. She has established a reliable system for efficientinput and output of data to ensure all actions coincide with recommendations from the Departments and Programs. Shereviews all applications and salary changes to insure compliance with Institutional guidelines.

Ms. Figueroa is greatly appreciated and held in high esteem by faculty, staff, and leaders at MSKCC, including her supervisor,Executive Vice President, Mr. John Gunn. Her managerial style resonates with the inherent qualities that MSKCC values,such as collaboration, innovation, mentoring and self-monitoring, all of which are essential in any organization. We areextremely pleased to bestow this heartfelt recognition to Hilda Figueroa for holding these core values high in all that she isasked to do on behalf of MSKCC.

Hilda FigueroaAdministrator, Academic AdministrationMemorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Ms. Figueroa is essential to many facets of the life of the NYU School of Medicine. She is the Manager of the NYU Instituteof Community Health and Research, one of the largest entities of its kind in the nation. She is responsible for all aspects ofthe work of the Institute, which is dedicated to the identification and elimination of health disparities in the United States.The smooth running and the ultimate success of the Institute’s many programs is ensured by Minerva – from budget mattersto grant applications, from coordination of meetings to the creation of national conferences.

Ms. Figueroa has also been the Manager of the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs of the NYU School of Medicine. In thatposition, she was able to orchestrate in a masterly manner the tasks of that complex office of addressing the needs, whetherintellectual and emotional, of the medical students. Yearly, Minerva arranged over 600 individual meetings of students andthe Dean; completed dozens of applications for research or international student placements; helped organize events suchas Orientation Week and Graduation.

Ms. Figueroa, over the last six years, has been a truly great contributor to NYU. The medical students have expressed theirappreciation of her dedication to them, as three consecutive graduating classes (2005-2007) honored her with their ClassAward. The NYU Langone Medical Center has recognized her with the 2003 Team Award and the 2005 Individual ExcellenceAward. Minerva Figueroa is deeply grateful for the Award she receives tonight.

Minerva FigueroaManager, NYU Institute for Community Health & ResearchNew York University School of Medicine

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Ibet Hernandez, LMSWNetwork Social Work Director, Medicine & PsychiatryBronx-Lebanon Hospital Center

Throughout her life, Ibet Hernandez has been a highly effective leader and advocate for those in need. She is an individualthat has put her words into progressive actions for the community. It is in the Mental Health and Social Services areas whereMs. Hernandez has clearly had a positive impact on the lives of others. As Director of Social Services/Discharge Planning atBronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Ms. Hernandez is continually working to help her patients and their families, offeringcounseling and important assistance. Outreach is another area where Ms. Hernandez is taking on a pivotal role. She hasdeveloped an extensive number of programs that have expanded needed services and improved accessibility.

Prior to joining Bronx-Lebanon, Ms. Hernandez served in key leadership positions at the Hunts Point Multi Service Center,the Illeana D. Rodriguez Day Care Center, and the Fordham Tremont Community Mental Health Center. She was successfulin implementing community education and parenting programs, as well as “English as a Second Language” classes andstress management initiatives. Ms. Hernandez takes pride in her volunteer work with women who are survivors of domesticviolence, abuse, and incest. She has helped them turn their lives around and recover from the pain of abuse.

Education and family have always been an essential part of Ms. Hernandez’ life. She received her Bachelors Degree fromLehman College and Masters in Social Work from Fordham University. In terms of her family, Ms. Hernandez has threechildren, Luis, Jesenia, and Julian, and two grandchildren. “They are the wind beneath my wings. I soar because they exist,”stated Ms. Hernandez.

Minerva Joubert is the Assistant Director of Public Affairs for Bellevue Hospital Center, the nation’s oldest public hospitalwith a distinguished history of accomplishments and world renowned services. Born and raised in New York City, Ms. Joubertgrew up in a Spanish-speaking household but didn’t become fluent in Spanish until she moved to Puerto Rico to attend theUniversity of Puerto Rico where she majored in Special Education with a minor in English.

Ms. Joubert’s career in public affairs started auspiciously when she landed a job at M Booth & Associates, Inc., as ExecutiveAssistant for one of the most powerful women in Public Relations, Margaret Booth. A year later, she was promoted to AccountExecutive.

She transitioned to the public sector seeking to combine her previous experience with the desire to help others. At Bellevue,she was hired as a Senior Manager Consultant to the Chief Operating Officer. Today, she’s an essential part of the publicaffairs team, coordinating responses to inquiries from journalists in television, radio, print and electronic news media andassisting Bellevue in generating positive news stories to inform the public about the excellence and breadth of health careservices at Bellevue. In addition, Ms. Joubert coordinates site visits, tours, and events and assists in the development ofmarketing concepts and materials to inform the community about and promote preventive health care services. Ms. Joubertuses her Spanish speaking background to complement her interpersonal skills, contributing to Bellevue’s overall mission ofproviding the highest quality of care to all New York residents, regardless of their ability to pay.

Minerva JoubertAssistant Director, Department of Public AffairsSouth Manhattan Healthcare Network/Bellevue Hospital Center

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Juan Mejia, MPH, is currently the Director of Operations at the New York Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH) at ColumbiaUniversity Medical Center. In this role, Mr. Mejia directs operational and budgetary initiatives for services related to Infusionsand Chemotherapy, Endoscopy, Radiology and the Emergency Department. In addition, he provides leadership for numeroushospital-wide revenue, business planning, patient safety, strategic planning, and disaster management committees. Prior tobecoming the Director of Operations, Mr. Mejia served as a Revenue Manager where he had oversight for revenue initiativesfor all adult departments at the Columbia campus of NYPH.

Along with his experience in hospital administration, Mr. Mejia has worked in the area of healthcare contract managementand research. As a consultant for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, he provided oversight forthe management of contracts awarded to community-based organizations providing services intended to reduce infantmortality. Prior to moving to New York City to begin his graduate studies, Mr. Mejia worked at the Center for the Study ofLatino Health and Culture, at the UCLA Medical Center, where he was involved in informative research of Latinos, their healthand culture, and their impact on California’s society and economy.

Mr. Mejia received a Masters of Public Health, with a focus in Healthcare Management, from Columbia University in 2003.He earned a Bachelor of Science from UCLA in 2000, where his studies focused on physiological sciences.

Juan Mejia, MPHDirector, OperationsNewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center

Angelo Ortiz, BS, RT (R) currently is Technical Administrator of Radiology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center.

A native New Yorker, Angelo enrolled in the New York City Community College Radiology Technology program in 1976 andreceived his A.A.S. in 1979. He was a staff technologist at the Brooklyn Hospital Center from 1979-1985 and was promotedto the position of Special Procedure Technologist in 1986. In 1987, Mr. Ortiz was named Chief Radiology Technologist atBrooklyn Hospital, responsible for day-to-day operations and Clinical Associate for New York City Community College,instructing undergraduate students in all aspects of radiology technology. In 1992 Mr. Ortiz was promoted to AssistantAdministrator for Radiology. In 1993, Angelo was successfully recruited by Mount Sinai Services at Queens Hospital Centeras Radiology Administrator, responsible for the entire Radiology operation.

After successfully completing his BS in Healthcare Administration from Saint Joseph’s College in 1996, Mr. Ortiz wasrecruited by the Mount Sinai Medical Center and appointed to his present position as Technical Administrator of theRadiology Department at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Mr. Ortiz currently oversees technical operations for Inpatient andOutpatient Imaging services, including department planning, budgets, labor relations issues, equipment acquisition and thesupervision of the radiology personnel. He is responsible for more than 120 employees who perform 300,000 studies peryear. At Mount Sinai he has also served on several Hospital committees, including the Internal Customer Service committee,as part of the Hospital’s Studer initiative, and the Fire Safety Committee.

Mr. Ortiz is married and is the proud father of two boys.

Angelo Ortiz, BS, RTAdministrator, Department of RadiologyThe Mount Sinai Hospital Center

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Maria Piñeiro has more than 20 years’ experience working in HIV at Woodhull Medical Center. She began her work in healthcare at Woodhull in 1985, and has twenty three years of progressive responsibilities in clinical and managerial positions inthe healthcare field. Ms. Piñeiro established the systems for early identification of HIV infection and the COBRA intensivecase management program at Woodhull and Cumberland. Under her leadership, Paul Paroski, Jr. Family Center wasrecognized by the National Association of Public Hospitals with an Honorable Mention in Community and Patient Service in2002. The clinic is a comprehensive, one-stop shopping model for HIV primary and specialty care. She supervises a staff ofapproximately 100 individuals and oversees 13 extramurally-funded HIV service programs. She is an expert in the areas ofpolicy development and analysis, staff and program development, and quality management. Ms. Piñeiro’s team manages theHIV primary and specialty care of more than 1,400 men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS receiving care in theWoodhull North Brooklyn Health Network.

Maria Pineiro, MPHSenior Associate Director, AIDS Center ProgramWoodhull Medical & Mental Health Center/ North Brooklyn Health Network

Aida has been employed at Mamionides Medical Center for the past eleven years. Currently, she holds the position ofDirector of Case Management. Throughout the years she has been an outstanding leader, role model and manager. Oftenone will hear her saying, “Social Workers are born Social Workers”. She is always ready to advocate for the disadvantaged,underprivileged, and infirmed.

In the past, she has been an integral part of the Caregiver Initiative, Palliative Care Pilot Program and raising Elder AbuseAwareness. Aida supported the implementation of the Medical Center’s Caregiver Initiative that addressed the needs ofelderly caregivers taking care of elderly patients. She implemented a caregiver support group that met on a weekly basis.She introduced a Palliative Care Pilot Program to address the unmet needs of the chronically ill and the actively dying. Shecreated a program with very few resources, but her passion was her drive. Aida continues to educate staff and families onthe crucial needs of the Palliative Care population.

The patients at Maimonides Medical Center are often frail and elderly and it was one of Aida’s goals to educate all disciplineson the identification of elder abuse and neglect. She organizes elder abuse activities and invites representatives from variousoutside agencies.

On a day-to-day basis, Aida is a pillar of strength and support to our patient, families, caregivers, and staff. It is not unusualto find Aida holding impromptu family meetings and telephone conference calls in an effort to provide safe and appropriatedischarge plans.

It is our pleasure to honor Aida as one of the year’s Manager of the year.

Aida Roman-Ryan, LCSWDirector, Case ManagementMaimonides Medical Center

National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on health

ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVES

National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on health

ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVES

National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on health

ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVES

National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on health

ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVES

National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on health

Congratulations to

The National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

on Health

and

The Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives

on Their 2008 Annual Gala and

To All Honorees

ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVES

National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on health

ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVES

National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on health

ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVES

National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on health

ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVES

Complimentsof

Healthcare Leaders of New York

National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on health

ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVES

Save the Date

Hospital Supplier Diversity Expo

for Minority and Women-owned Businesses

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

5:00pm-8:00pm

at

Englewood Hospital and Medical CenterEnglewood, New Jersey

Exhibitor Tables, Networking Receptionand light dinner will be served

Meet with buyers from New Jersey Hospitalsthat purchase goods, products and services

from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut businesses

Sponsored by;The Greater New York Hospital Association

The American College of Healthcare Executives- NJ ChapterThe National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health

For further information visit: www.NHCCH.comor call us at 212-877-1615

REGIONAL PARTNERs

diversity sponsor

HONOREE SPONSORS

Corporate/Non-Profit Sponsors

we would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support

National Corporate Partners

ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVES

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