Office of Hawaiian Affairs Selected CEO Finalists
The board has named three candidates to lead the organization, narrowing the search after initial interviews.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People
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The Office of Hawaiian Affairs board has selected Todd Apo, Kaulana Park, and Summer Sylva as the final candidates for its CEO position. These finalists were chosen following a first round of interviews with six candidates held in September.
Why it matters
For business leaders and state stakeholders, this leadership transition is occurring amid ongoing legal scrutiny surrounding the previous administration. The selection process will shape the organizational direction for the agency as it navigates both internal governance and active litigation.
The board selected three finalists from a pool of six candidates interviewed during the September process. The agency currently operates under the oversight of nine board trustees.
The players
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
A state agency responsible for managing assets and programs to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiians.
Summer Sylva
The current interim CEO of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and one of the three selected finalists for the permanent role.
Stacy Ferreira
The former CEO of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs who is currently pursuing legal action regarding her 2025 removal.
Kumabe HR
A professional services firm that managed the executive search process for the agency's board.
The details
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs utilized Kumabe HR to manage the executive search process for the board. Summer Sylva, one of the three finalists, has served as the office's interim CEO for over a year. The board's final decision is expected to follow a moderated discussion with the candidates and a public comment period.
Timeline
September 2026: Six candidates underwent first-round interviews.
October 15, 2026: Finalists will appear for a moderated discussion.
October 16, 2026: Public comment period for finalists concludes.
October 22, 2026: Board to finalize the selection of the new CEO.
October 2027: Trial date set for the Stacy Ferreira lawsuit.
Market Landscape
The search for a new leader is heavily influenced by the ongoing legal challenge initiated by former CEO Stacy Ferreira. This selection process marks a critical phase in the organization's attempt to restore permanent leadership while the legal dispute remains active.
Operators and stakeholders should monitor the board's final selection on October 22, as the new CEO will dictate the agency's procurement and development priorities. With five trustees up for reelection, expect the organizational strategy to remain a key focus for local business engagement.
The takeaway
The agency's leadership stability remains in flux until the board confirms its choice on October 22. Business leaders should track the new CEO's policy direction, particularly as the ongoing 2027 litigation continues to impact the office's operational environment.
What happens next
The board is scheduled to hold a moderated discussion with the finalists on October 15, 2026, followed by the conclusion of the public comment period on October 16, 2026. A final selection is anticipated on or around October 22, 2026.
Further reading
For more on personnel changes and leadership updates, visit the People section.
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