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Maui Health names new administrator for critical access hospitals

Penny Koval is the new administrator of Critical Access Hospitals for the Maui Health system. Courtesy photo

Penny Koval has been selected to be the Maui Health system’s new administrator of Critical Access Hospitals, effective Nov. 1.

As CAH Administrator, Koval, MSN RN, NHA, oversees all hospital and long-term care operations for both Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital. Koval succeeds David Culbreth, who served as interim administrator for the last 18 months.

“Penny is smart, hardworking and incredibly thoughtful,” said Lynn Fulton, CEO, Maui Health, in a statement. “She is an extraordinary operational leader who knows the needs of her team. I look forward to working with her to improve access to quality care for our upcountry Maui and Lanai communities. I have no doubt that she will excel in this new role.”

According to a news release, Koval has more than 13 years in the health care industry across many roles, including most recently as assistant administrator of Critical Access Hospitals.

Koval graduated from the University of Hawaii Maui College’s nursing program and has spent her career on the front line as well as leading clinical teams and organizational initiatives. She started in health care as a bedside nurse at Maui Memorial Medical Center and later relocated to California where she gained critical care experience in the ICU at UCLA West Valley Medical Center.

Following that, she rejoined Maui Health and has since worked as an emergency department nurse and nurse manager. She also has experience in quality management, education and nursing administration. As the emergency department nurse manager at Kula Hospital, Koval played a key role in securing much-needed equipment and training for Kula Hospital through the State of Hawaii Trauma Special Fund.

Koval has been an integral part of caring for Maui’s broader community. From facilitating lifesaving Stop The Bleed training to providing outreach care after the devastating Maui fires, she continues to dedicate herself to Maui Health’s staff, patients, and residents as well as the Maui County community.

“I am deeply grateful to the impactful mentors at Maui Health who have shaped my journey with their guidance and wisdom,” said Koval. “This new role is an incredible opportunity to build on that foundation, and I am eager to work alongside our dedicated team to ensure our rural communities receive the excellent, compassionate care they deserve.”

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