News Release from Hawaii Health Connector October 3, 2014
The Hawai‘i Health Connector Board of Directors today announced it has selected Jeffrey M. Kissel as the new executive director of the Connector. Kissel, a highly successful chief executive with a proven track record of leading successful organizations, will replace Interim Executive Director Tom Matsuda as head of the state’s health insurance marketplace. Kissel will be responsible for directing the organization’s efforts to bring high-quality, affordable health care coverage to Hawai‘i residents.
“I believe that everyone deserves to have health insurance coverage, and the Hawai‘i Health Connector is a highly viable resource for reasonably priced, high quality health care,” said Kissel. “I’m at a place in my career where I can really give back to the community and do something that will make a difference in people’s lives. I am looking forward to hitting the ground running to prepare for open enrollment, which starts November 15.”
Most recently, Kissel was president and CEO of Hawai‘i GAS, where he grew what started as a small business into a diversified thriving organization, in just five years. He also previously served in senior roles and led strategy at URS, one of the world’s largest engineering and construction companies, among other companies.
“The Board believes that Jeff is the ideal person to lead the Connector forward for the long-term. His prior experience leading prominent and successful companies, as well as his drive and enthusiasm, will serve the Connector well to secure affordable health coverage for the residents of Hawaii,” said Board Chair Clifford Alakai. “We are also extremely grateful to Tom Matsuda for his service shepherding the Connector through a very difficult time. He helped educate state policymakers and the community on the value of the Connector, and, on behalf of the Board, I want to thank him for his service.”
Active in community and professional organizations, Kissel sits on the board of directors of Pacific Rim Bank and is a member of the National Petroleum Council. He received his Bachelor’s of Business Administration and MBA from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, where he was a Rhodes Scholarship finalist.
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About the Hawai‘i Health Connector
The Hawai‘i Health Connector is the online health insurance marketplace for Hawai‘i residents. The Connector is here to provide a place for individuals and small businesses to find affordable, quality coverage for the long-term future. It allows residents full-time access to the Connector’s Kokua assisters, the ability to compare health insurance plans online, and the opportunity to receive tax credits. In compliance with the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Connector was established as a non-profit organization in 2011 in order to provide health insurance coverage that preserves the unique culture of Hawai’i and builds on Hawaii’s 40-year history of ensuring health insurance coverage for residents through the Prepaid Health Care Act. The Connector is committed to a better health future for every resident of Hawai’i. For more information, visit www.HawaiiHealthConnector.com.