Search underway for next chancellor of Hawai‘i Community College

The search for Hawaiʻi Community College’s next chancellor has begun.

The position was announced locally and nationally on Jan. 8 with an expected start date of July 1. Susan Kazama was appointed interim chancellor on July 1, 2023, succeeding Rachel Solemsaas.

The Chancellor Search Advisory Committee met with Erika Lacro, University of Hawaiʻi vice president for community colleges, in January to initiate the search. The 20-member committee includes representation from faculty, students, Hoʻolulu Council (Native Hawaiian council), civil service staff, Administrative Professional and Technical staff, administrator, organizational units and community leaders.

“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 in Hilo and Pālamanui in Kona — as well as the Kō Education Center in Hāmākua and a University Center in West Hawaiʻi.

The committee will screen applicants and nominees for the chancellor position. In April, they will conduct in-person finalist interviews, and on-campus visits will be scheduled to ensure that students, faculty, staff, administrators and other stakeholders are able to attend open forums.

Lacro plans to submit her recommended candidate for appointment to UH President David Lassner in May.