Mohamed Omar Makes History As First Somali-American To Lead Minnesota Hospital Board

Mohamed Omar Makes History As First Somali-American To Lead Minnesota Hospital Board

Mohamed Omar, currently the Chief Administrative Officer at the Washburn Center for Children, has become the first Somali-American to chair the Board of Directors at Hennepin Healthcare, the organization that oversees the Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). This appointment marks a major milestone for representation in Minnesota's healthcare leadership, especially in a state with the largest Somali-American population in the U.S.

Omar has served on the Hennepin Healthcare board for three years, contributing to key committees focused on finance, audit, investment, and compliance. He initially stepped in as interim chair in September following the resignation of Babette Apland, who left amid controversy after making racially charged comments about the financial burden Somali immigrants placed on the hospital.

In his new role, Omar emphasizes a vision of equity and community engagement. His leadership aims to align the healthcare system more closely with the diverse population it serves, ensuring access to high-quality care for all. Hennepin Healthcare, which operates the state’s busiest Level 1 Trauma Center, plays a vital role in providing care for uninsured and underinsured patients, often relying on public funding to support uncompensated care.

Omar's diverse background spans finance, public administration, and nonprofit management. Prior to joining Washburn, he held leadership roles at the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund and the Metropolitan Council. His education includes advanced degrees in finance and information systems from Johns Hopkins University, and he started his career in global finance roles with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Goldman Sachs.

This appointment represents more than just individual achievement—it reflects growing efforts to diversify leadership in Minnesota’s public institutions. Omar expressed his commitment to building stronger connections between patients, staff, and the healthcare system, reinforcing that inclusive leadership is essential to providing equitable care.

Hennepin County Commissioner Irene Fernando, who herself made history as the first person of color to chair the county board, praised Omar’s appointment, highlighting the importance of representation at all levels of public leadership.

This new chapter at Hennepin Healthcare comes at a crucial time as the system addresses financial challenges and strives to meet the needs of a diverse community. With Omar at the helm, the board is poised to foster more authentic engagement and tackle health disparities in meaningful ways.