TJC Accredited
3 consecutive terms
Tuesday, October 14, 2025; Dededo, Guam) – Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) is proud to announce that Rachelle Borja, GRMC’s Director of Support Services, has been selected as the 2025 Region 10 Emerging Regional Leader Award recipient, presented by the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE). This ceremony was held at the ASHE Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference in Columbus, Ohio from July 27 to 30, 2025.
The Emerging Regional Leader Award recognizes one individual from each of ASHE’s ten regions for their leadership skills, dedication to their chapter or community, and commitment to the health care profession. This prestigious honor also supports ASHE’s mission of building the next generation of leaders in health care facilities management.
Rachelle 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 healthcare, 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 Environment of Care compliance, Emergency Management, Life Safety, Safety & Security, and Logistics/Transportation operations.
About the Award
The ASHE Emerging Regional Leader Award shines a spotlight on emerging professionals in the field of health care engineering and facilities management, those who are making meaningful contributions early in their careers and helping shape the future of the profession.
Out of the entire Region 10, which includes Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and Guam, only one leader is selected each year. This year, that leader is Rachelle Borja, marking a proud moment for GRMC and the island of Guam.
Rachelle’s nomination was initiated by GRMC’s local chapter, HISHE (Hawaii Society of Healthcare Engineering), under the leadership of President Jessica Onaga, with letters of recommendation from David Jimenez (Johnson Controls Inc., Branch Engineering & Sales Manager), Dr. Alexander “Beau” Wielaard (GRMC CEO), and Bernie Lobaton (GRMC Chief Support Services Officer).
As part of this recognition, Rachelle has also been invited to attend the ASHE Leadership Institute, taking place November 7–8, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, where she will join leaders from across the nation in advancing excellence in health care facilities management.
Rachelle’s selection not only reflects her personal accomplishments but also underscores GRMC’s continued commitment to excellence in healthcare engineering and facilities management. Her work behind the scenes ensures that the hospital’s infrastructure supports patient safety, comfort, and care efficiency at every level. As the Region 10 representative, Rachelle serves as a bridge between Guam and the broader ASHE community, bringing visibility to the challenges and innovations unique to island healthcare systems and contributing Guam’s perspective to national conversations on health care engineering.
“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 healthcare excellence throughout our region. Rachelle embodies what it means to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose, ensuring that our environment of care remains safe, innovative, and responsive to the needs of our patients and staff. Her achievement places Guam on the national stage, reminding us that world-class talent and leadership exist right here in our island community. We are proud to see her recognized among the nation’s top emerging leaders in healthcare engineering,” said Dr. Wielaard.
“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. Rachelle has a remarkable ability to balance technical expertise with genuine care for our team, always leading by example and inspiring others to grow with her,” adds Lobaton.
Commitment to Leadership & Growth
At GRMC, leadership is rooted in excellence, integrity, and service. The hospital takes pride in developing and supporting outstanding leaders who inspire their teams and elevate the standard of care within the hospital and the island community.
In her role at GRMC, Rachelle continues to lead initiatives focused on infrastructure resilience, sustainability, and innovation. With the support of the ASHE network and her new recognition as an Emerging Regional Leader, she aims to mentor others, foster chapter collaboration, and bring best practices in healthcare engineering to Guam and the Pacific region.
GRMC congratulates Rachelle on this remarkable achievement and invites the community to celebrate this milestone, which brings national recognition not only to her leadership but to the island’s growing excellence in healthcare.