President CEO Howard Lee Honored as a “Most Admired Leader” by Pacific Business News

Howard Lee, president & CEO of UHA Health Insurance, was one of 18 local leaders honored last night as a “Most Admired Leader” by Pacific Business News, Hawai‘i’s leading business newspaper.

Now in its fourth year, the program recognizes “visionary leaders who have made outstanding contributions to both their companies and communities.”

Howard was joined at the Halekulani Hotel gala by UHA colleagues, including Chief Operating Officer Darren Nakao, Senior Vice President Stevette Santiago and Senior Vice President Jan Kaeo. Queen’s Medical Center’s Dr. Kuo-Chiang Lian, chair of UHA’s Physician Advisory Council, and Dr. Theresa Wee, prominent local pediatrician and highly regarded wellness advocate, also attended.

As UHA’s longtime leader, Howard has guided the homegrown health insurer through years of growth and transformation, all while staying true to the mission of its physician-founders: a simpler, more caring approach to employee healthcare.

Howard’s commitment to community predates his time at the helm of UHA. Even before becoming CEO in 2011, he built an extensive record of nonprofit and civic service spanning maternal health, education and beyond. He currently serves on the boards of Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, Kapi‘olani Hospital Foundation, the March of Dimes Hawaiʻi Chapter, Mid-Pacific Institute and Hawaiʻi Association of Health Plans. He also lends his leadership to the American Cancer Society’s CEOs Against Cancer Hawai‘i, a coalition of the state’s top business executives.

Under his leadership, UHA has grown into a major force in Hawaiʻi’s healthcare landscape, providing medical, drug and vision plans to over 4,200 employer groups and more than 57,000 members through one of the largest physician networks in the state.

That growth has not come at the expense of culture: UHA has earned multiple Hawaiʻi Business “Best Places to Work” and “Healthiest Workplace” honors, as well as a #30 ranking on the 2025 “Hawaiʻi Top 250” list. It also won PBN’s 2025 “Kokua Kahiau” award.

About UHA Health Insurance
Celebrating 30 years of service to Hawaiʻi, UHA Health Insurance is a physician‑guided, homegrown health insurer committed to care, not just coverage. UHA combines personalized support with coverage designed to put people first.

Through one of the largest physician networks in the state, UHA provides medical, drug and vision plans to over 4,200 Hawai‘i employer groups and over 57,000 members statewide.

Founded in 1996 by University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine educators, UHA is the only Hawai‘i‑based health insurer established by physicians themselves. Today, UHA remains physician-led with a continued focus on influencing healthcare in Hawai‘i for the better, while ensuring its members have access to high-quality, clinically sound care. UHA was the first health insurer in the state to offer plans centered on wellness and disease prevention and is accredited in Health Utilization Management through URAC, the independent non-profit that promotes healthcare quality.

For information, visit uhahealth.com.

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