Gerald Morihara named KS Chief Administrative Officer

June 8, 2001

Contributed by Kekoa Paulsen

"Gerald Morihara's administrative skills were honed in the field of education," said McCubbin. "He has extensive managerial and oversight experience in the fields of personnel, budget, procurement, contracts, facilities management and technology and all with an educational focus." A 13-member Chief Administrative Officer Candidate Screening Committee recommended Morihara to the CEO from a field of 39 candidates. The Committee comprised a cross section of KS faculty and staff and was chaired by Kamehameha Secondary School Principal Tony Ramos. In its search, the Committee looked for a candidate who not only met the technical administrative qualifications the position required, but also for an individual whose shared values and working style fit comfortably with the goals and aspirations of Kamehameha's mission and strategic plan. "Of all the many qualities each candidate brought to this process," said Ramos, "the Committee identified Gerald Morihara as an individual not only possessing all the technical requirements necessary for the Chief Administrative Officer post, but as a person who has clearly demonstrated throughout his work history a high level of professional integrity, inclusive people skills, and a clear passion for serving education." Morihara began his service to education in 1969 as a management analyst at the University of Hawai'i. During his tenure at the University he served as Associate Dean and later Dean of the College of Continuing Education for a total of 20 years. Morihara served in the US Air Force from 1965- '69 and in the US Air Force Reserve from 1969-93, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. Since retiring from the University of Hawai'i, Gerald Morihara has continued his service to education, most recently as Director of Education for the Kaplan Education Center, as a consultant to the Dean of the University of Hawai'i Outreach College, and in Special Projects for the University of Hawaii's Community Colleges. Additionally, he worked as a legislative analyst during the 1996-2000 legislative sessions. The position of Chief Administrative Officer was created as part of Kamehameha's CEO-based management structure adopted in 1999. Gerald Morihara will assume his duties as Kamehameha Schools CAO on June 26, 2001.