Waikiki Health Center names Beckham executive director

On Jan. 2, Waikiki Health Center announced the appointment of Sheila Beckham as executive director of the nonprofit medical and social service agency, succeeding Paul Strauss, who accepted a position with Bay Clinic on the Big Island. Beckham has more than 30 years experience in the health care field, serving for the past 24 years as Director of Preventive Health for the Wai`anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. 

Beckham has a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Hawaii and a Bachelor of Science from Whittier College in California. She will oversee the agency’s network of clinics and outreach programs and the Center’s ongoing expansion and continuous quality improvement of programs and services to meet community needs.

“Sheila’s breadth and depth of knowledge and experience make her an ideal choice for the position of Executive Director of Waikiki Health Center.  Coming from a Community Health Center background, she has great understanding of the special needs of our diverse patient populations, a large percentage of whom are uninsured, have low incomes, are homeless, or who experience language, cultural or other obstacles to obtaining care,” Michael Burnett, president of the Waikiki Health Center Board of Directors, said.

Waikiki Health Center, with more than 40 years of service to the people of Oahu, provides high-quality medical and social services that are accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of ability to pay. The Center operates a primary care clinic in Waikiki, a satellite in Haleiwa and two drop-in clinics that are part of its homeless outreach programs.  The Center’s Care-A-Van Program brings services to homeless families and individuals at locations across Oahu

ACLU of Hawai‘i elects new board members, officers

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i recently concluded elections for its Board of Directors and leadership. Elected for three-year terms were Barbara L. Franklin, Sat K. Freedman, Gail Gnazzo, Pat Hammers, Marianita Lopez, Andrea Low and Moana Asam Yost.

Elected as officers for one-year terms were Sheryl L. Nicholson, president; Jory Watland, vice president; Roger W. Fonseca, secretary and affiliate affirmative action officer; Pat Hammers, treasurer; Barbara A. Ankersmit and Pamela Lichty, at-large officers; and Jeffrey Hong, national board representative.

The newly elected members and leadership join current board members Ibrahim Aoude, George Atkins, Sheryl L. Nicholson, Esther Solomon and the Rev. A. Joris Watland. The mission of the Hawai‘i affiliate of the ACLU is to protect the civil liberties contained in the state and federal constitutions through litigation, legislative and public education programs statewide. The ACLU is funded primarily through private donations and offers its service at no cost to the public. The ACLU does not accept any government funds.