Newsmaker
Monday, July 6, 1998
Name: Kelvin Taketa
Age: 44
Position: President, Hawaii Community Foundation
Education: Hastings College of Law
Hobbies: Spending time with family, reading, swimming
Kelvin H. Taketa has a vision: to reach out to "everyone and anyone" who cares about Hawaii. New foundation chief
Taketa will try to fulfill his vision as the next president and chief executive officer of the $230 million Hawaii Community Foundation. He was unanimously chosen from more than 110 applicants following an eight-month search by the foundation's board of governors.
He will succeed Jane Renfro Smith, who retires June 30.
"What Kelvin brings to the table is the opportunity to increase our resources, especially at a time in Hawaii when our normal sources of funding are diminishing," Vice Chairman Walter Lasky said. "I think the (foundation) has a strong administrative team, and I think Kelvin's vision could significantly increase the resources we have."
The foundation was founded in 1916 to fund large-scale community philanthropy. It began as a trust and became a charitable corporation in 1988.
Taketa currently is vice president and executive director of the Nature Conservancy's Asia/Pacific Region. Since 1994 he has overseen the group's Asia/Pacific programs in Hawaii, Micronesia, the South Pacific, Indonesia and China.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Taketa said he has a commitment to make.
"I think Hawaii is going through very tough times, and (being selected) is an opportunity to contribute to Hawaii," he said. "I'm excited about the challenge. I think (we) can make a difference for the quality of life for the people of Hawaii."
Board Chairman Buzz Wo said: "Kelvin understands our islands.... He brings a wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector and has shown that he can work with his staff and volunteers and guide strategic planning and development."
Amy Agbayani, the foundation's vice chairwoman and director of the University of Hawaii's student diversity programs, said Taketa emerged as the candidate with the best track record, showing accomplishments in the areas of administration, fund raising and communication.
"What I appreciated most about him was his inclusive style of management and leadership," she said.
By Stan Constantino, Star-Bulletin
