McKendry Named HPA Head of School

When students return to Hawai’i Preparatory Academy from summer vacation next week, they will be under new leadership as Robery McKendry takes over as HPA’s eleventh Head of School.

McKendry, who joined HPA as the school’s chief financial officer in 2010, officially took the position during an installation ceremony that was held at HPA’s Davies Chapel on Friday. Employees, school trustees, McKendry’s family, students, alumni, parent representatives, and friends were present.

Kumu Kuwalu Anakalea offered a chant to open the ceremony. In attendance was Reverend Diana Akiyama, who presided, and Gregory R. Mooers, HPA Board of Trustees chair, who commissioned McKendry as HPA’s Head of School.

“We viewed it as our job to hire as our chief executive officer a leader who, in addition to having a wealth of passion and commitment, was familiar with and approving of the HPA of today…the foundation on which we will build the HPA of tomorrow, without losing the momentum on a variety of initiatives we now enjoy,” said Mooers. “We believe we have succeeded in finding such a leader.  For myriad reasons, we see Robert as just the right person at this point in the history of HPA.”

Before his time at HPA, McKendry served as Parker School’s business manager and as treasurer. Prior to that, he held public accounting and private sector financial management positions in Michigan, California, and Hawai’i.

McKendry is a graduate of the University of Oregon and Baker College, where he earned his degrees in finance, management, and accounting. His wife, Fiona Ednie McKendry, is an alumna of HPA and the pair have two children who attend HPA.

“Young people need places full of people who care about them; safe and nurturing, and also vibrant, challenging and stretching,” said McKendry. “HPA is that kind of place, and I meet alumni all around the world who carry with them a deep sense of appreciation for their years at HPA.  It is my honor to support this crucible.  To pour myself out in a lifeʻs work of love and care for the people who give so much to help students really live.”