Mohamed Omar makes history as the first Somali-American to head up the Board at Hennepin Healthcare — Minnesota’s leading safety-net hospital. CREDIT / Washburn
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (AX) — Stepping into uncharted waters, Mohamed Omar has achieved a groundbreaking moment by becoming the inaugural Somali-American Chair of Hennepin Healthcare, marking a turning point for Minnesota’s preeminent public hospital.
Omar’s new position follows three years of dedication on the board at Hennepin Healthcare, focusing his expertise on finance, audit, and compliance. His leadership emerges amid a landscape brimming with both hurdles and prospects for the healthcare facility, which is a cornerstone for treating every Minnesotan, despite their financial hurdles.
“I feel immensely privileged to assume this responsibility,” said Omar. “My aim is to reinforce the nexus between our multifaceted community and healthcare, ensuring that each individual receives the respect and care they’re entitled to, irrespective of their life story.”
Emerging as the second Chair of Hennepin Healthcare’s board within under a year, Omar’s rise follows Babette Apland, who resigned in September after making ill-received remarks about the financial impact of Somali immigrants on the healthcare system; such comments were swiftly denounced as prejudiced by area authorities. Serving as interim Chair post-Apland’s exit, Omar now ascends to this position permanently.
His leadership is particularly poignant within Minnesota, home to the highest concentration of Somali-Americans in the US. This appointment underscores significant progress in representation within public entities. “Omar’s appointment echoes a milestone beyond just the Somali-American circle. It touches everyone who champions fair healthcare and representation,” noted Hennepin County Commissioner Irene Fernando, the first person of color to lead the county board.
Omar’s guiding principle centers around equity, focusing on leveling disparities in health services and reflecting the vast diversity of both patients and personnel. “Our true north is the rendering of equitable care by ensuring leadership mirrors the society we’re serving,” Omar asserted. “Building profound connections between healthcare and communities sits atop my priority list.”
Downtown Minneapolis hosts HCMC, which benefits from Hennepin County’s taxpayer-supported subsidy aimed at mitigating the costs of unpaid care. (Richard Tsong-Taatarii / The Minnesota Star Tribune)
At a pivotal juncture, Omar takes the helm at Hennepin Healthcare, which operates the celebrated Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). Financial challenges loom as they persist in providing for uninsured and underinsured individuals. Taxpayer funds from Hennepin County are crucial in covering uncompensated care, sparking discussions about the future financial soundness of the system.
A proposed county budget earmarks $10 million toward uncompensated care for Hennepin Healthcare, pushing the annual taxpayer support to $38 million.
CEO Jennifer DeCubellis of Hennepin Healthcare conveyed her unwavering belief in Omar’s capacity to guide the system through prevailing and upcoming obstacles. “Mohamed Omar exemplifies our ethos of distributing unparalleled care without exceptions, and his unyielding commitment to equity will bolster a more inclusive healthcare framework,” she said.
Omar boasts a career that spans both the public and corporate arenas. Prior to his board role at Hennepin Healthcare, he played a pivotal role as Chief Administrative Officer at the Washburn Center for Children, a mental health non-profit, and wielded influence at the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund and the Metropolitan Council, championing housing, finance, and community growth.
His academic pursuits include an MBA in finance and entrepreneurship along with a master’s in information systems from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s in accounting from George Mason University.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
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