Hawaiʻi Community College seeks a community-focused leader

Hawaiʻi Community College

Hawaiʻi Community College - Pālamanui

The search for Hawaiʻi Community College’s next chancellor has begun. The position was announced locally and nationally on January 8, 2024, with an expected start date of July 1, 2024. Susan Kazama was appointed interim chancellor on July 1, 2023, succeeding Rachel Solemsaas.

The Chancellor Search Advisory Committee (CSAC) met with Erika Lacro, University of Hawaiʻi vice president for community colleges, in January to initiate the search. 

“Hawaiʻi CC seeks an experienced administrator who can lead a community-based college with multiple locations and a range of workforce programs. The chancellor will be expected to engage with community partners to ensure the college is meeting local workforce needs,“ said Lacro.

Hawaiʻi CC has two campuses—Manono (Hilo) and Pālamanui (Kona), the Kō Education Center in Hamakuʻa and a University Center in West Hawaiʻi.

Search Timeline

• January 2024: CSAC begins screening applicants and nominees.
• April 2024: In addition to in-person finalist interviews, on-campus visits will be scheduled to ensure that students, faculty, staff, administrators and other stakeholders are able to attend open forums.
• May 2024: Lacro plans to submit her recommended candidate for appointment to UH President David Lassner.
• July 2024: Expected start date of the new chancellor.

Chancellor Search Advisory Committee

The 20-member committee includes representation from faculty, students, Hoʻolulu Council (Native Hawaiian council), civil service staff, Administrative Professional and Technical (APT) staff, administrator, organizational units and community leaders.

Calvin Black, APT representative

Princess Gail Calapit, student

Kate De Soto, student affairs

Reshela DuPuis, faculty

Sheldon Higa, civil service

Grant Kaaua, faculty

Kuʻulei Kanahele, faculty

Donala Kawaʻahau, faculty

Akea Kiyuna, Hoʻolulu Council

Michael Mandaloniz, civil service

Wendy Medeiros, Pālamanui campus

Kirk Mikami, administrative services

Jack Minassian, faculty

Luria Namba, faculty

Estee Nathanson, continuing education

Thomas Parel, Jr., Kō Education Center

Christine Quintana, administrator

Kalei Rapoza, community

Tyler Rucker, student

Janette Snelling, community

Leanne Urasaki, search coordinator 

For more information on the Hawaiʻi CC chancellor position, see: https://hawaii.hawaii.edu/chancellorsearch