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In a groundbreaking move, Mohamed Omar has been appointed as the chair of the board for Hennepin Healthcare System (HHS), the organization overseeing Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). Omar’s appointment makes him the first Somali American to lead a hospital board in Minnesota. He replaces Babette Apland, who resigned as chair in September, and has served as an interim chair since her departure.
Mohamed Omar and His Track Record of Service and Leadership
Omar has been part of the HHS board for three years, contributing on several committees, including finance, investment, audit, and compliance. In addition to his role at HHS, he is the chief administrative officer at the Washburn Center for Children and formerly held the position of chief financial officer at the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund. Omar expressed enthusiasm about leading a hospital board within a state that houses the largest Somali American community in the U.S., reinforcing HCMC’s commitment to equitable, high-quality care.
“My commitment is to deepen our community engagement, build more authentic connections between patients and team members, and build a confident future together,” Omar said in a statement.
Support from Healthcare and County Leadership
Hennepin Healthcare System CEO Jennifer DeCubellis and Chief Health Equity Officer Nneka Sederstrom lauded Omar’s appointment, citing that more inclusive leadership and a focus on ending health disparities are vital to HCMC’s ongoing mission. Hennepin County Board Chair Irene Fernando, also a member of the HHS board, expressed excitement over Omar’s new role, noting the impact of representation in public leadership.
“As the first Hennepin County Board chair of color, I know how impactful it is for our communities to see themselves represented in public leadership,” said Fernando.
Mohamed Omar and His Commitment to Diversity and Representation
The Hennepin County Board recently passed a resolution encouraging the health system to increase diversity on its oversight board. They aim to include more members from within its workforce and patient community, ensuring the board better reflects the people it serves.
A Change in Leadership Amid Controversy
Omar’s appointment follows Apland’s resignation, which came after three county commissioners criticized her comments in a closed meeting, where she reportedly referenced the impact of Somali immigrants on uncompensated care costs. Although Apland later apologized, explaining her comments were intended to highlight growing community needs, her departure has prompted a shift towards a more inclusive board direction.