Mission, OR – The Health Commission of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) has accepted the resignation of Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center CEO Lisa Guzman. The Commission designated Human Resources Director Aaron Hines to serve as Interim CEO effective May 28, 2021.
“Lisa’s service to the Tribe has been exceptional. She lead through a global pandemic, rolled out a vaccination program to protect the community and all the while maintained ongoing healthcare services for Tribal members,” said Chair Kat Brigham. “We are grateful for her leadership and commitment. We wish her nothing but the best.”
Guzman began her service as CEO on March 26, 2018 just weeks before the opening of the new 64,000 square foot health care facility. During Guzman’s tenure, Yellowhawk achieved national accreditation in August 2020 as a Public Health Authority, opened a Transitional House, built out a drive through pharmacy and was recognized in April 2021 by the National Indian Health Board with a Regional Public Health Innovation Award.
She served as the Incident Commander when the Board of Trustees declared a state of emergency on March 2, 2020 in response to the emergence of COVID-19. She continued to serve as a member of the Incident Command Team when it was expanded beyond the Public Health Authority to include other Tribal entities and departments.
Hines has served as Yellowhawk Human Resources Director since 2019 and has been employed by the CTUIR for the past 16 years. He served on the Board of Trustees from 2009-2015, holding two positions, General Council Chairman and Treasurer. He has also served on CTUIR Committees and Commissions including the Health Commission. Hines holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Eastern Oregon University and is currently pursuing an MBA from Oregon Health and Science University.
A search process for recruitment of a new CEO has yet to be established.
Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center is owned and operated by the CTUIR. It provides primary healthcare and additional services to more than 3,000 American Indian/Alaska Native Patients.
