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Rachelle Borja, the Guam Regional Medical City’s director of support services, has been selected by the American Society for Health Care Engineering as the 2025 Region 10 Emerging Regional Leader Award recipient. The Emerging Regional Leader Award recognizes one individual from each of ASHE’s 10 regions for their leadership skills, dedication to their chapter or community, and commitment to the health care profession. GRMC said Borja’s selection not only reflects her personal accomplishments but also underscores GRMC’s continued commitment to excellence in health care engineering and facilities management. The awards ceremony was held at the ASHE Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference in Columbus, Ohio from July 27 to 30, GRMC said in a release this month. As part of this recognition, Borja has been invited to attend the ASHE Leadership Institute, taking place on Nov. 7 and 8 in Phoenix, Arizona, where she will join leaders from across the nation in advancing excellence in health care facilities management. GRMC said this honor also supports ASHE’s mission of building the next generation of leaders in health care facilities management. Borja’s behind-the-scenes work ensures that the hospital’s infrastructure supports patient safety, comfort and care efficiency at every level, GRMC said. “Rachelle’s dedication, professionalism and leadership have consistently elevated GRMC’s facilities operations to the highest standard. This recognition from ASHE is a testament to her unwavering commitment not only to our hospital but to the greater mission of health care excellence throughout our region,” GRMC CEO Dr. Alexander “Beau” Wielaard said in a statement. Borja’s nomination was initiated by GRMC’s local chapter, the Hawaii Society of Healthcare Engineering, under the leadership of president Jessica Onaga, with letters of recommendation from David Jimenez of Johnson Controls Inc., GRMC’s Wielaard, and Bernie Lobaton, GRMC chief support services officer. “Rachelle’s recognition by ASHE is a proud moment not just for GRMC, but for our entire Support Services team. She has continuously demonstrated exceptional leadership, foresight, and dedication in managing the complex operations that keep our hospital running safely and efficiently,” Lobaton said. Borja began her journey with GRMC as a contract specialist in the materials management department. She then advanced to leadership roles, including warehouse manager and materials management assistant manager. With over 16 years of experience in supply chain and procurement, spanning telecommunications, federal contracting and health care, she transitioned into emergency management in 2021, where she discovered a new passion for safety, preparedness and resiliency. In 2024, Rachelle was appointed director of support services, where she now oversees the environment of care compliance, emergency management, life safety, safety and security, and logistics/transportation operations.
