Hawaiʻi Community College selects new director for continuing education program

Douglass Shipman Adams, who has long-term experience in military service, law, public administration and nonprofit leadership, has been selected as the new director of EDvance Continuing Education and Training at Hawaiʻi Community College.

In his new role, Adams will guide EDvance’s noncredit workforce development and community education programs, which support local industries through short-term training, certifications, employer contract courses, and rapid-response initiatives.

The program’s offerings span healthcare, construction and trades, commercial driver’s license (CDL), security guard training, digital literacy, small business development, and personal enrichment—providing residents with pathways to career growth and contributing to the island’s economic resilience.

“Hawaiʻi Island should be one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family,” Adams said. “I believe that EDvance and Hawaiʻi Community College can be part of the solution to ensure that our residents have the support they need to achieve these goals.”

Prior to joining Hawaiʻi Community College, Adams served as director of the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development, where he advanced sustainability and economic initiatives.

A graduate of West Point, the National Intelligence University, and the Antonin Scalia Law School, Adams served 20 years in the U.S. Army, holding leadership roles that shaped his collaborative, service-driven approach.

“Doug brings decades of experience in workforce development, strategic leadership, and community partnership-building,” said Chancellor Susan Kazama. “We are fortunate to welcome someone who understands Hawaiʻi Island’s needs and already has strong relationships across our communities.”

Adams is also a licensed attorney in Hawaiʻi and Virginia and vice chairman and director of W.H. Shipman, Ltd. He remains active in community organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island, Kuʻikahi Mediation Center, and Rotary International.

He also co-founded the “Duty, Honor, America Tour,” cycling 18,000 miles through all 50 states to highlight issues facing veterans and military families.

“I am honored and privileged to join the amazing team at EDvance,” Adams said. “I look forward to working with our team at the college and the university system and with partners throughout the island to build an economy with workforce opportunities that create the quality of life that our friends and neighbors deserve.”