Rachelle Borja, the director of support services at Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC), has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Region 10 Emerging Regional Leader Award by the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE). This honor acknowledges her exceptional leadership and commitment to the health care profession, as well as her contributions to her local community.
The award recognizes one individual from each of ASHE’s ten regions, highlighting their dedication to advancing health care engineering and facilities management. GRMC emphasized that Borja’s achievement not only reflects her personal success but also signifies the institution’s ongoing commitment to excellence in health care services. The award ceremony took place during the ASHE Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference held in Columbus, Ohio, from July 27 to 30, 2025.
In recognition of her accomplishments, Borja has been invited to participate in the ASHE Leadership Institute on November 7 and 8, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. This event will bring together leaders from across the country to enhance their skills in health care facilities management. GRMC noted that this opportunity aligns with ASHE’s mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the field.
Borja’s role at GRMC involves ensuring that the hospital’s infrastructure supports patient safety and care efficiency. Her behind-the-scenes work is crucial for maintaining operational excellence. “Rachelle’s dedication, professionalism, and leadership have consistently elevated GRMC’s facilities operations to the highest standard,” stated Dr. Alexander “Beau” Wielaard, CEO of GRMC. He added that this recognition from ASHE underscores her unwavering commitment to both the hospital and the broader goal of health care excellence in the region.
Borja’s nomination was initiated by the Hawaii Society of Healthcare Engineering, led by president Jessica Onaga. The nomination process included letters of support from David Jimenez of Johnson Controls Inc., as well as from Wielaard and Bernie Lobaton, GRMC’s 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,” said Lobaton.
Borja began her career at GRMC as a contract specialist in the materials management department before advancing to leadership positions, including warehouse manager and materials management assistant manager. With over 16 years of experience in supply chain and procurement across various sectors, including telecommunications and federal contracting, she transitioned into emergency management in 2021. This move sparked a newfound passion for safety, preparedness, and resiliency.
In 2024, Borja was appointed as the director of support services, a role in which she oversees multiple critical operations, including environment of care compliance, emergency management, life safety, and logistics. Her diverse experience and dedication to improving health care infrastructure position her as a key figure in the ongoing evolution of health care services at GRMC and beyond.
