New University of Hawai‘i president Wendy Hensel announced on Wednesday morning that the search committee for the vacant UH-Mānoa athletics director position has been formed.
Former UH president David Lassner announced plans to part ways with former athletics director Craig Angelos on Nov. 19, 2024. Lois Manin has served as the acting AD since Dec. 1, while Lassner retired at the end of 2024 after previously announcing his plans to do so in the fall of 2023.
Hensel took over as the new UH president on Jan. 1. She will be tasked with making the final decision on the search. The committee is co-chaired by UH Board of Regents chair Gabriel Lee and Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation chairman Jack Tsui.
Hensel says UH will conduct finalist interviews in late May, with mid to late summer serving as the target date to select a finalist. Hensel said on her personal X account on Wednesday morning that the goal is to have the new athletics director in place by "August, if not sooner."
The search committee is below (courtesy UH):
Gabriel Lee, hair, UH Board of Regents; Jack Tsui, chairman, Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation; Peter Ho, chairman & CEO, Bank of Hawaii; Tita Ahuna, former UH women’s volleyball player, Punahou School athletic director; Artie Wilson, former UH men’s basketball player, Spectrum Sports analyst, founder, Artie Wilson & Associates; Michele Nagamine, UH women’s soccer coach; Susan Eichor, president & COO, aio; James Tokioka, director, Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism; Scott Sinnett, faculty athletic representative, UH Mānoa; Leslie Campaniano, chair, ʻAhahui Koa Ānuenue; Member, Hawaiʻi Bowl executive Committee.
Parker Executive Search will assist UH in its national search for its new AD.
“As Hawaiʻi’s only NCAA Division I program, UH Mānoa athletics plays a crucial role in our state’s sports culture and economy,” Hensel said in a statement released Wednesday. “We need an athletics director who is not only a strategic and dynamic leader but also a strong fundraiser who can navigate the many challenges ahead, including the lack of a Division I football stadium.”
“Though we are working under a tight timeline, we are committed to a thorough, effective, and transparent process to ensure we secure the best possible leader for UH athletics,” Hensel added. “There is tremendous interest in this position, and we recognize that the next AD is important not only to the university, but also to our fans and community stakeholders. We particularly appreciate our partnership with Gov. [Josh] Green and Mayor [Rick] Blangiardi, whose support and unique insight will be important throughout the search.”
Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
