OHA Administrator & CEO

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) works to improve the wellbeing of Native Hawaiians through advocacy, research, community engagement, land management and the funding of community programs.

The Administrator functions as the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs ("OHA") and is responsible for implementing and executing the will of the elected Board of Trustees (BOT).Reporting directly to the BOT, the Administrator & CEO provides executive oversight, strategic & operational leadership, and oversees organizational performance.

The Administrator & CEO implements Board policy and advances OHA's constitutional and statutory responsibilities on behalf of Native Hawaiian beneficiaries.

The Administrator & CEO plays a central role in advancing this mission by ensuring that OHA’s people, programs, resources, and partnerships are aligned to achieve measurable results. The Administrator & CEO maintains stewardship of the strategic planning process, ensuring alignment between Board direction, organizational priorities, operational execution, and performance outcomes.

As the principal executive of the OHA, this role serves as the conduit between the BOT, community, and administrative staff and is responsible for effective communication, leadership and direction. Additionally, the Administrator & CEO works with other agencies, public and private, that also serve Hawaiians and Native Hawaiians consistent with OHA's mission of bettering the conditions of all Hawaiians.

• The Administrator & CEO, selected by the Board of Trustees as the principal executive officer of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, is responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of OHA under the Strategic Plan, policies, and actions adopted by the Board of Trustees. In carrying out these duties, the Administrator shall develop, implement, and oversee organizational systems, operational procedures, and administrative processes, and shall make recommendations to the BOT regarding OHA's organizational structure.
• Maintains a strong, transparent, and collaborative working relationship with the BOT, ensuring open communication, alignment on strategic priorities, and effective governance support.
• Presents complex information to the Board in a clear, objective, and actionable manner, enabling informed governance, and strategic decision-making. Identifies emerging trends, opportunities, and risks using data and research.
• Responsible for strategic planning and execution.
• Establishes clear vision and direction for the OHA staff and ensures that the OHA’s mission, core values, and principles are understood and put into practice. Effectively mentors and empowers staff to create a healthy, positive, and culturally grounded environment that promotes accountability, transparency, and collaboration.
• Fosters a positive work environment with strong values and integrity. Motivates and encourages high performance and collaboration within all areas of the organization.
• Develops and sustains a high-performing organization by identifying, developing, and preparing future leaders at all levels. Establishes succession strategies, leadership development programs, and knowledge transfer practices to ensure organizational continuity, preserve institutional knowledge, and maintain operational excellence.
• Assesses the organization’s placement in the employment market to ensure the OHA continues to attract and retain talent of the highest quality to serve the mission.
• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others throughout the organization in alignment with the organization’s objectives.

• Monitors all critical organizational functions to ensure high performing operational excellence.
• Ensures OHA is consistently aware of potential risks to the agency and its assets and is up to date with mitigation/avoidance strategies.

• Responsible for fiscal and budget oversight and carries out the management of the OHA’s Native Hawaiian Trust Fund (NHTF) in accordance with the NHTF Investment Policy adopted by the BOT.
• Responsible for procedures, guidelines, evaluation,…