Junior Achievement of Hawai‘i’s (JAH) board of directors is continuing its search for the nonprofit’s next president and CEO, as outgoing leader David Earles looks to relocate to be closer to family in Nevada.
“I agreed to stay until they find my successor, so as long as they’re looking, I’ll stay. But we’re anticipating hiring by August or September,” says Earles, who has lived in the Islands for nearly 30 years, working across the nonprofit sector.
He has served at the helm of JAH for more than four years, expanding its financial literacy and workforce readiness programs to more than 8,000 K-12 students annually across O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island, Maui and Kaua‘i. He estimates that over this past school year, likely 10,000 students were impacted by JAH’s curriculum, which is taught by volunteers, including professionals in banking, business and more.
During his tenure, Earles also helped strengthen partners including the state Department of Education, along with key volunteer groups and organizations, such as Society for Human Resource Management, or SHRM Hawaiʻi.
“My life mission has always been nonprofits, making them thrive, helping them grow. I get my fulfillment in life helping nonprofits that help other people,” he says. “I’m 61 now and am going to continue doing this for a very long time. I’ve been very blessed with the work I’ve been able to do."
He adds that he’s excited to join his hānai son in Reno, Nevada, along with his wife, who was born and raised on Oʻahu. The pair currently reside on the Windward side of the island and plan to keep their house here after the move.
“Cost of living is part of the reason (for the move), you can’t avoid that, right?” he says.
When asked what he’ll miss most about living and working in the Aloha State, Earles notes: “The people. The connections. This is my home. That’s why my wife and I are choosing to keep a home here and rent it out, so we can keep a toe in Hawaiʻi.”
JAH’s new leader must “be prepared for the continued exponential growth because it’s not going to slow down,” he adds.
“The board is strong and excited about the future. Staff (3 full-time employees) are ready to go in a new direction, there’s support from national JA. I’m excited for where things can go with the right leader,” Earles says. “It’s been a real privilege to be part of; I donʻt view it as a legacy on leaving so much as leaving a starting point for changing the lives of Hawaiʻi’s future leaders. ... I hope we stop the brain drain and they stay here because the opportunities continue to expand.
JAH board chair Nathan Kam said in a statement, “He is leaving us on very solid ground in a truly exciting time of evolution for our organization. Our next leader will build upon David’s good work to continue elevating our program offerings and deepen our impact to ensure Hawai‘i students are able to thrive in a global economy.”
Founded in 1957, JAH now has an annual operating budget of approximately $400,000 and volunteer workforce of 360 people, according to Earles.
Those interested in applying for the role can do so here. The application deadline is by Friday, July 3.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
