Aug. 21, 2014
Contributed by Matthew Corry
Despite his busy schedule, interim Chief Executive Officer Jack Wong is making time to personally visit each Kamehameha Schools group and division at Kawaiahaʻo Plaza and on campuses. The goal: connect with all staff to share the draft of the 2015-2020 Strategic Plan recently approved by KS trustees. When his sharing tour is done, he will have made more than 60 presentations.
“The Executive Leadership Team and I are making every effort to meet with staff in person to share the plan and answer questions,” Wong said. “The strategic plan cannot succeed without staff participation and engagement.”
Enterprise Management Services Manager Mabel Ho attended the presentation in late July. “I found the strategic plan to be compelling and focused,” she said. “I am excited to learn more about the related action plans and how I can contribute to reaching these goals and bettering the lives of Native Hawaiian children.”
Applicant Services Assistant Laura Ann Carvalho added, “I really liked that collaboration is going to be a key to making this plan work, both outside of KS and within.”
Besides learning about KS’ new strategic direction, staff members appreciate hearing from the organization’s chief executive. Diana Montez, an admissions data and research manager shares, “Jack Wong did an amazing job and made it so easy to understand. He made you excited to want to be here in 2020!”
So far, Wong has made 33 presentations. “It’s a top priority,” says Coleen Kaʻanehe, assistant to the CEO. “We have about 30 more to go, and we hope to finish by mid-September.”
Scheduling 90-minute meetings can be a challenge. “We mahalo those who arrange and attend the presentations,” said Dr. Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni, who is leading the strategic planning efforts. “We know everybody’s very busy, and we appreciate all the kōkua.”
To date, the following groups and divisions have seen the presentation:
Presentations will continue through mid-September with makeup sessions to be scheduled as needed. Check with your group’s executive assistant for more information.
July 15, 2014
Trustees approved draft of strategic plan
July – September 2014
CEO shares approved draft of strategic plan with all staff
July – December 2014
Action planning teams develop action plans with recommendations to KS executives
January – March 2015
Division tactical and operating plans completed
February 2015
Strategic plan finalized and disseminated
July 1, 2015
KS begins new fiscal year under unified direction
Jack Wong did an amazing job and made it so easy to understand. He made you excited to want to be here in 2020!
Diana Montez, Admissions data and research manager