In lieu of salary from CHC, Babauta, a former senator, Washington representative and governor, opted to receive his existing pension from the Retirement Fund.
A Retirement Fund legal review concluded that if Babauta was to accept a salary and collect a pension — double-dipping — “the pension would soon cease to be distributed,” explained the CEO on his final decision to work gratis for the corporation.
Babauta began his public career as a healthcare planner and sees his work now at CHC as “coming full circle” especially when considering the dire financial situation of the CNMI’s healthcare system.
“Compensation or not, my commitment to CHC is absolute,” he continued.
He was supposed to get $80,000 a year as CEO.
First out
Only 28-days after the CHC announced its new senior leadership team, chief financial officer, formerly acting hospital administrator, Ester Muna, offered her notice of resignation.
The letter of resignation stated no reason for her departure but did request a cash payout for 43-days of unused vacation.
Variety queried CHC concerning the request and received a definitive response.
“I have no intention of signing vacation cash-out paperwork for any CHC employee…vacation days should be used as intended — end of story,” stated Babauta.
Soon after Muna’s resignation, Cora Ada assumed the position of acting CFO due to broad financial experience and critically important knowledge of quality assurance requirements to maintain CHC’s Medicare and Medicaid certifications.
Senior leadership salaries
Acting CFO Ada’s salary of $50,000 a year is the lowest among the senior leadership team; the top earner is director of medical affairs and board member, Dr. Michael Deary at $137,500 per annum.
Rounding out the senior leadership salaries are Director of Hospital Services Karen Buettner at $80,000.
Director of Public Health Services Roxanne Diaz and executive officer James Phillips are both at $60,000 while incoming Director of Nursing Leticia Reyes will receive $55,000 .
CHC Medical Director for Public Health Dr. Daniel Lamar’s annual salary could not be confirmed at press time.
