HHSC Appoints Alan S. Ito as Chief Information Officer

Honolulu, HI – The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) announced today the appointment of Alan Ito as the state community-hospital system’s Chief Information Officer (CIO). Ito has more than 30 years of experience in the healthcare information technology industry, having worked in hospitals and health technology consulting firms. Ito will begin his duties on January 3, 2012.

Previously, Ito served as Project Director for the Hawaii Pacific Regional Extension Center (HPREC), where he was responsible for a federally-funded program to assist physicians and hospitals in Hawaii and throughout the U.S., Associated Pacific Islands in implementing electronic medical records systems and working towards achievement of Meaningful Use. Alan also served as Vice President for Convergence CT, a provider of health information technologies. Additionally, he was also the Chief Information Officer for St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii.

“Alan brings to us an extensive background in healthcare IT and experience in working in partnership with other State and Federal agencies,” said Bruce S. Anderson, HHSC President and Chief Executive Officer. “After an extensive nationwide search, our blue ribbon Selection Committee found the best person for the job was a local boy who has spent most of his career working in Hawaii. We look forward to working with Alan as we move into a future that will be increasingly dependent on information technologies.”

Anderson added, “We have the perfect storm forming with meaningful use and ICD-10 deadlines looming before us in 2013. At the same time, we have an unprecedented opportunity to improve the quality of care and the cost-effectiveness of our operations at HHSC. Alan will be invaluable in helping us navigate through these challenging times.”

Ito completed his undergraduate degree in mathematics at the University of Hawaii. He also earned a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Hawaii. He’s married to Diane, has three sons living in California, and enjoys volunteering with several non-profit organizations.

About Hawaii Health Systems Corporation

HHSC consists of five regional systems operating 9 facilities throughout the State of Hawaii: East Hawaii Regional system operates Hilo Medical Center, Ka’u Hospital, Hale Ho’ola Hamakua and Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home; West Hawaii Regional system operates Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital; Oahu Regional system operates Leahi Hospital and Maluhia; and Kauai Regional system operates: Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, and Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. HHSC has three nonprofit affiliates: Kahuku Medical Center operating a critical access hospital and long-term care facility in rural Oahu; Ali'i Community Care Inc. doing business as (1) Roselani Place providing assisted living on Maui, and (2) Ali'i Health Center: a physician practice in Kona; and Hawaii Health Systems Foundation.

Established by the Legislature in 1996, HHSC is a public benefit corporation of the State of Hawaii. As such, HHSC provides essential safety-net hospital and long term care services throughout the State. Since 1996, HHSC has and continues to fulfill the State’s promise to provide high quality, healthcare to all regardless of whether an individual has health insurance or the ability to pay for the healthcare services they receive.

HHSC Media Contact:
Malia Espinda, Director of Government Relations and Community Affairs
808-383-1015 or mespinda@hhsc.org