In a vote of 13-0, the Senate on Thursday confirmed the governor’s nomination of Uto’ofili Asofaafetai Maga as the newest member of the LBJ Medical Center board of directors, whose membership is subject to Senate confirmation only.

Uto’ofili, who was ASG Health Department director from 2004 to 2008, replaces former board member Taufete’e John Faumuina who stepped down to take up the post of LBJ chief executive officer.

Prior to the Senate vote, Uto’ofili appeared yesterday morning for his confirmation hearing before the Senate Health/LBJ Committee chair by Sen. Tuaolo Manaia Fruean.

As expected, the one major issue raised with Uto’ofili is the current conflict and differences between the board and the LBJ management headed by the CEO, and was urged to work on resolving these differences to ensure that LBJ operates smoothly for the benefit of the community.

Sen. Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono suggested that Uto’ofili — upon being confirmed by the Senate — remind the board to work together for the better of the public.

Soliai then asked if Uto’ofili believes that a physician should be chairman of the Health Regulatory board, which certifies medical professionals to work in the territory. Uto’ofili responded “yes”, and noted that under current law, it’s the Health director who is chairman of the Health Regulatory board.

Uto’ofili holds two Master’s degrees (Public Health and Public Administration) from the University of Hawaii-Manoa.

Other LBJ board members are Mase Akapo (chairman), Tofaeono Dr. Victor Williams (vice chair), Rep. Faimealelei Anthony Allen and Mrs. Etenauga Lutu.