Jim Diegel earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Health Service Administration from St. Mary’s College of California.

WAILUKU – Maui Health System last week announced that accomplished health care executive James “Jim” Diegel has been named chief strategy officer for its three hospitals and two clinics in Maui County.

Diegel has spent more than 30 years building and leading executive teams, operations and strategy in major hospitals and healthcare systems around the nation. He started on June 17.

“I feel very honored to join the Maui Health System leadership team and excited to be able to contribute to its vital role of improving the health and well-being of the people of Maui and Lanai,” said Diegel.

He has led the success and growth of some of the nation’s top healthcare institutions. He most recently served as CEO for Howard University Hospital, a 285-bed academic training, urban, essential hospital located on the campus of the historic Howard University in Washington, D.C. Prior to that, he was president and CEO at St. Charles Health System in Oregon.

Diegel is also a highly sought-after healthcare industry consultant providing strategic advisory and coaching services to organizations in the areas of leadership, governance, strategy and organizational development.

“Jim’s specific expertise in cultural and system transformation, community engagement and creating strategic partnerships, among many other strengths and achievements, is very impressive,” said Michael Rembis, Maui Health System CEO, who has known Diegel for 30 years.

“We’re looking forward to his valuable contributions to our organization and our mission to provide the absolute best healthcare to our community.”

Diegel brings an intimate Pacific perspective to Maui. He is a former Peace Corps volunteer who lived with an indigenous mountain people in the Philippines for two-and-a-half years.

His wife of 35 years, Vicky, hails from Naga City, Philippines. They have two married adult sons.