MEDIA RELEASE

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has hired Mona Maehara as Social Services Division Administrator, effective Nov. 16, 2012.

Maehara is a senior executive with 25 years experience providing strategic and operational leadership for nonprofit, government and business organizations. She most recently served as program coordinator for the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition Hawaii.

In this newly created position, Maehara will oversee the DHS Social Services Division. Her authority and responsibilities include providing direction on planning and development, and implementation of comprehensive statewide social service programs related to child and adult welfare services.

“Mona will be a valuable addition to our DHS team,” Director Patricia McManaman said. “Her experience in both the public and private sector will help strengthen our Social Services efforts.”

Kayle Perez, current administrator for the DHS Child Welfare Services (CWS) said, “Mona brings new excitement and a wealth of experience in the human services field. We welcome her to the Social Services Division and look forward to working with her to push forward our mission – to assist and engage Hawaii’s children, their families and communities in addressing safety, permanency and well being of abused and neglected children.”

“Hiring Mona will benefit the DHS Adult and Community Care Services (ACCSB) Branch by placing greater emphasis on the needs of vulnerable adults in our community,” added Linda Chun, temporary ACCSB administrator, “including persons with disabilities and the elderly.”

“It’s an honor to serve the Department of Human Services and the State of Hawaii,” Maehara said. “I look forward to working with DHS staff and continuing to help Hawaii’s families.”

Maehara’s professional background in Hawaii includes working as Director of Development at Chaminade University and Director of Philanthropy for Hawaii Pacific Health/Pali Momi Medical Center.

In California, Maehara worked as Associate Director/ Agency Development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Vice President of Development for the non-profit JUMA Ventures that serves vulnerable, homeless and runaway youth, Agency Management Officer for Bank of America, and Director of Crisis Services for Larkin Street Youth Service.

In Alaska, Maehara served as Executive Director at the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and Executive Director at Standing Together Against Rape.

Maehara received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Hawaii. She earned her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Bristol University in Tennessee.