Our History
CHCC was created by Public Law 16-51 as
passed by the House of Representatives, Sixteenth Northern Marianas
Legislature at its First Regular Session and signed into law by then Governor Benigno R. Fitial on January 15,
2009. The Act was “to establish a public corporation for healthcare and related public health services known
as the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation.” In essence it combined the hospital, public health, behavioral
health, the community guidance centers and all of its related programs in Saipan, Tinian and Rota. The primary
rationale for this historic and monumental move was to “allow management more flexibility and authority to
independently meet the acute and long term health care needs of the Commonwealth.” The expectation that this
policy directs is “to coordinate the delivery of quality health care to all Commonwealth residents in a
financially responsible manner. The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation is intended to be a professionally
managed, nationally accredited, independent public health care institution that is as financially
self-sufficient and independent of the Commonwealth government as is possible.”
From the date of its passage in 2009 until today, the CHCC has worked tirelessly to fully realize the idea of
autonomy and high functioning management of limited resources while delivering the best possible services to
those entrusting the CHCC with their varied healthcare plans. We continue to do so every day and in every way
as is reflected in our upcoming plans. We honor all those who have made contributions to the building of the
healthcare systems in the CNMI and in crafting this model legislation to promote autonomy and stimulate
efficiency in the delivery of healthcare in our islands.
Vision
We provide sustainable, innovative, equitable, and comprehensive culturally responsive services to achieve accessible, high-quality, patient-centered wellness outcomes for all people in the CNMI.
Mission
We provide quality comprehensive health services and promote healthy environments for a resilient community.
Values
We are committed to exceeding standards by providing a culture of compassionate, effective, quality care, honoring the dignity of its stakeholders and community, and promoting equity and transparency as well as continued accountability and growth throughout the corporation.
Strategic Plan
The purpose of the strategic plan is to create one, forward-focused vision, to track progress, and to improve CHCC in a targeted, meaningful, and measurable way. The plan was developed through collaborative efforts of the CHCC Board of Trustees, management, staff, and stakeholder input. Click here to view the Strategic Plan
Board of Trustees
Committed to upholding the highest standards of healthcare, our Board of Trustees brings together a wealth of expertise, diverse perspectives, and a shared passion for advancing the well-being of our community. As you get to know the individuals who guide our hospital's strategic direction, you'll discover the driving force behind our commitment to exceptional patient care and the continuous pursuit of better health outcomes.

Juan N. Babauta
Chairman of the Board
Juan N. Babauta serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) in the Northern Mariana Islands. He previously served as the sixth governor of the Northern Mariana Islands from 2002 to 2006 and as the third Resident Representative to the U.S. Congress from 1990 to 2002. Babauta's extensive experience in public service and healthcare planning has significantly contributed to the strategic direction and governance of CHCC.

Phyllis Chong
Vice-Chair of the Board
Phyllis Chong serves as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) in the Northern Mariana Islands. In June 2023, she was nominated by Governor Arnold I. Palacios to represent the Third Senatorial District on the CHCC Board. Her appointment underscores her commitment to enhancing healthcare services in the CNMI.

Corinne Santos
Board Member
Mrs. Corinne H. Santos serves as a Board Member of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) Board of Trustees, representing the CHCC Board of Trustees on the CHCC Foundation Board. She holds a Master of Science in Health/Health Care Administration/Management from Seton Hall University. In June 2020, Governor Ralph DLG. Torres administered the Oath of Office to Mrs. Santos, reappointing her to the CHCC Board of Trustees. Her extensive background in healthcare administration and her active involvement in various healthcare boards significantly contribute to the strategic direction and governance of CHCC.

Mariah Barcinas
Board Member
Ms. Mariah M. Barcinas serves as a Board Member of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) Board of Trustees, representing the island of Rota. She was appointed to the board in May 2023. Her involvement contributes to the strategic direction and governance of healthcare services in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Polly Masga
Board Member
Polly DLG. Masga, MPA, serves as a Board Member of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) in the Northern Mariana Islands. She was first appointed to the board in November 2018 and has since been reappointed, bringing valuable experience in healthcare clinic management and human resources. In addition to her role at CHCC, Ms. Masga is the Director of Human Resources at Northern Marianas College, where she oversees personnel management and organizational development. Her expertise in human resources and healthcare administration contributes to the strategic direction and governance of CHCC.

Juan N. Babauta
Chairman of the Board
Phyllis Chong
Vice-Chair of the Board
Corinne Santos
Board Member
Mariah Barcinas
Board Member
Polly Masga
Board MemberCHCC Leadership
Our leadership team embodies a wealth of experience, each member contributing a unique perspective that fuels our commitment to providing world-class healthcare. As you explore their profiles, you'll gain insight into the driving forces behind our hospital's success, the stories that shape our values, and the unwavering passion that propels us forward on our mission to serve and elevate the health and well-being of our community.

Esther L. Muna
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Esther L. Muña is the Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) in the Northern Mariana Islands, where she oversees the territory's hospital, public health services, and community clinics. Under her leadership, CHCC has focused on improving healthcare access, integrating public health systems, and advancing health outcomes across the CNMI. She also serves as an ex-officio board member of the CHCC Foundation, supporting health initiatives through charitable efforts.

Perlita T. Santos
Chief Financial Officer
Perlita T. Santos serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) in the Northern Mariana Islands, overseeing the organization's financial operations and strategic planning. She has played a pivotal role in managing CHCC's budget, advocating for funding to support healthcare services, and implementing financial strategies to ensure the sustainability of the corporation's programs. Her leadership has been instrumental in navigating fiscal challenges and aligning financial resources with CHCC's mission to provide quality healthcare to the CNMI community.

Dr. John M. Tudela
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. John M. Tudela serves as the Chief Medical Officer at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) in the Northern Mariana Islands, where he leads clinical services and healthcare quality initiatives across the region. A board-certified internist, Dr. Tudela earned his medical degree from the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine and completed his residency in internal medicine at Legacy Emanuel and Good Samaritan Hospitals.
In addition to his role at CHCC, Dr. Tudela holds the position of State Air Surgeon with the Air National Guard, contributing his expertise to both civilian and military healthcare systems.
Grace Laxina
Chief Nursing Officer
Grace Laxina serves as the Chief Nursing Officer at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) in the Northern Mariana Islands, where she leads nursing services and contributes to enhancing patient care standards. Her professional background includes experience as a nurse at the Commonwealth Health Center, reflecting her dedication to healthcare in the CNMI.

Jesse M. Tudela, EdD
Chief Operations Officer Ancillary & Support Services
Dr. Jesse M. Tudela, EdD, serves as the Chief Operations Officer for Ancillary and Support Services at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) in the Northern Mariana Islands. In this role, he oversees various operational aspects of the healthcare system, ensuring efficient delivery of services. Dr. Tudela has represented CHCC at regional health conferences, collaborating with other professionals to enhance healthcare delivery.

Tiffany S. Crisostomo
Chief Operations Officer Business & Quality Assurance
Tiffany S. Crisostomo serves as the Chief Operations Officer for Business and Quality Assurance at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) in the Northern Mariana Islands. She oversees revenue cycle activities across Saipan, Rota, and Tinian, manages outpatient pharmacy operations, and supervises the health system network program, which includes supervising over fifty employees across multiple locations.

Halina S. Palacios
Chief Operations Officer Population Health
Halina S. Palacios, MPH, serves as the Chief Operations Officer for Population Health at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) in the Northern Mariana Islands. In this role, she leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community health and expanding access to care. Halina has been instrumental in implementing telehealth services and the 4Ms framework to better serve older adults in the community. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology from Portland State University and a Master of Public Health from the American Public University. Halina is also a member of the American Hospital Association's Next Generation Leaders Fellowship. Her dedication to public health has earned her recognition, including selection as a member of the International Hospital Federation's Young Executive Leaders program.

Esther L. Muna
Chief Executive Officer
Perlita T. Santos
Chief Financial Officer
Dr. John M. Tudela
Chief Medical OfficerGrace Laxina
Chief Nursing Officer
Jesse M. Tudela, EdD
Chief Operations Officer Ancillary & Support Services
Tiffany S. Crisostomo
Chief Operations Officer Business & Quality Assurance