Liberia: Anesthesia Specialist Appointed as Chief Executive Officer of JFK Hospital

President Joseph N. Boakai has appointed Mrs. Dama Reter Yekeson-Koffa, an Anesthesia Specialist as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Medical Center — the country’s largest referral hospital. 

Madam Koffa served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of JFK Hospital from February 2018 up to her appointment on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. 

Mrs. Koffa is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA); she earned her Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia from the University of Maryland, School of Nursing in 2013; and Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Honors Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina in 2000. In 1995, Mrs. Koffa graduated from Saint Paul’s College with a Bachelor of Science with Honors Major- Premedical Science; Minor- Biochemistry Summa Cum Laude. 

“I have been privileged to serve as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Administration at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center for the past six years. My position as DCEO-Admin demanded continual professional growth, ability to effectively mitigate challenges, and flexibility in a diverse role of administrative duties,” Madam Koffa said in her resume to the Senate’s Committee on Health. “I am a very personable, loyal, ambitious, and dedicated individual whose perseverance affords success in many environments.” 

“With unorthodox vision, dedication, and vigor I intend to continue impacting the lives of every individual I encounter both directly and indirectly, through efficient, competent, and excellent administrative or clinical skills. I am prepared to serve in a senior-level capacity in the health or affiliated sectors, welcoming any opportunity that harnesses my experience, passion, work ethic, and diligence.”

According to Mrs. Koffa, as Deputy CEO for JFK, she provided strategic guidance to the Medical Center through the Administrative arm of the Institution and direct supervision to the diverse array of administrative departments including Fiscal, Planning & Development, Communications, Human Resource, Hospital Administrators, Operations, IT, Procurement, Material Management, Compliance, etc.

She was primarily responsible for the procurement, storage, and distribution of the Medical Center's material resources including management, control, and account for the proper use of the finances of the institution

She was also responsible for further supporting the CEO in implementing appropriate business, fiscal, and debt management policies — organizing annual Board retreats and facilitating revision of existing policies including financial, administrative, and personnel, and supporting the preparation of the annual budget for submission to the Board for approval before submission to the Government of Liberia and coordinate all partner activities and projects for the Center in compliance with the strategic improvement plan, Board policies and annual operational plan and budget among others.

Prior to working at JFK Hospital, Mrs. Koffa worked in the USA at the Primary Site of the University of Maryland Medical System and the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. If confirmed, she will succeed Dr. Jerry F. Brown.

Madam Koffa is happily married to J. Fonati Koffa, Speaker of the 55th Legislature; and the union is blessed with three (3) Children.

The JFK hospital was built in response to a request by Liberian President William V.S. Tubman to President John F. Kennedy during a 1961 visit to Washington, laid the groundwork for funding for a national medical center in Liberia by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).