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OHA moves forward with CEO recruitment despite litigation and trustee objections
Summary
After heated debate over timing and potential effects on mediation, the OHA board approved a plan to begin a national executive search for the administrator/CEO and contracted Kumabe Human Resources to run the process; the vote was 5–4.
The board voted July 30 to authorize a timeline, budget and arrangements for a national executive search for OHA’s administrator/CEO. Chair Kahele told trustees the current contract for the administrator (contract 4374) expires 10/31/2026 and the board has a statutory duty to plan for a timely leadership transition; the board selected Kumabe Human Resources to conduct the recruitment.
Public testimony and several trustees urged delay, saying starting a new search while the current administrator remains on paid leave and litigation is pending could be perceived as retaliatory and could harm mediation. As public commenter Germaine Myers told the board, "To this day, beneficiaries have never been told why," referring to the absence of public explanation for the current administrator's administrative leave. Trustees debated legal advice, fiduciary duties and the risk that waiting could leave the organization without stable leadership. The board ultimately voted to proceed with the recruitment timetable (roll call: 5 yes, 4 no).
