George Cruz

With more than 25 years of dedicated service in the healthcare community, George J. Cruz has worked passionately across multiple areas including youth advocacy, tobacco control, diabetes prevention, and substance abuse support. A proud alumnus of George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon, George holds a degree in Organizational Management and Leadership with a minor in Business and Computer Science.

Throughout his career, George has been deeply involved in community leadership, serving on numerous regional, state, and local boards such as the CNMI State Epidemiological Outcome Workgroup, the Governor’s Council on Suicide Prevention, the Kagman Community Health Center Board, and the USAPI Health Leadership Council, among others. His leadership in public health and policy has left a lasting impact throughout the Commonwealth and the Pacific region.

In 2023, George founded the first CDC-accredited Pre-Diabetes Prevention Program in the CNMI. As a Nationally Certified Master Lifestyle Coach, he continues to guide individuals toward sustainable lifestyle changes through classes held in the community and at the local college campus.

Before being appointed as the Commonwealth Medicaid Director in December 2024, George served as the Administrator for Sagan Hinemlo’ Family Clinic, the Pacific Wellness Center, and Allied Medical Supplies, LLC, and previously led Marianas Health Services, Inc. as its President and CEO for over two decades. Across these roles, he has been a tireless advocate for improving healthcare access, quality, and system development across the islands.

Outside of his professional commitments, George treasures his life with his wife and best friend, Marlene, with whom he shares 24 wonderful years of marriage, five amazing children and his first granddaughter, Emani