After more than a decade at Boys and Girls Club of Hawai‘i, Paddy Kauhane will be stepping down from her role as president and CEO by the end of March 2027.
Kauhane initially joined BGCH in 2016 as executive vice president, chief financial and operating officer, and was named acting CEO before taking the helm of the organization that serves 15,000 keiki on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi each year.
When asked if this was the career she envisioned for herself, she told Aloha State Daily, “No, I never thought I would end up being a CEO. I really didn’t.”
“I have an accounting background and when this opportunity came up, it was a blessing, and I’m so glad I took it,” she said. “It’s changed my life in so many positive ways.”
Currently, BGCH has 11 clubs, including two teen centers, that provide thousands of local kids age 7 to 17 with meals, mentorship, academic support and leadership development across Oʻahu and Kauaʻi
Kauhane added that 94% of the families BGCH serve are considered low-income. Affordability is a priority for the organization: It costs families $25 per year for youth to become a member of BCGH and $10 per year for teens.
Earlier this month, BGCH opened its first dedicated teen center in the former Garden Island newspaper building, allowing for growth there, as well as the existing Līhuʻe Clubhouse.
She’s most proud of being a part of the nonprofit’s 50-year legacy.
“The growth that we’ve achieved over 50 years has been phenomenal, and it’s also been steady and secure. It’s been very planned, and that’s how we will continue to move forward.”
Looking ahead to the next 50 years of BGCH, her dream is that there will be an after-school club serving local youth in every community statewide, which she says can be accomplished through acquiring new club facilities and partnering with community to create school-based learning centers.
“This is what I hope to achieve, I know I won’t see it, but I believe in sharing that vision, I am hopeful the next person will pick it up,” she said. “Boys and Girls Clubs have proven themselves, not only in Hawaiʻi, but nationally and worldwide, as a formula that really does lift kids up to achieve a great future. And we need kids to be prepared for the future because they’re going to be leading our country and state one day. So, an investment in kids now with come back. That’s our legacy: Creating the next generation of future leaders.”
Kauhane shared more about what she’s experienced on the job and lessons learned through the transition so far.
Looking back on the past decade, what memories stand out for you? The opportunity to prioritize and value our culture has been so meaningful to me, bringing foundations of aloha, which permeates throughout our organization.
I’m also proud that were able to stay open during Covid, when all the schools were closed and the keiki needed us. This was a testament to my employees who made it happen. I am proud of taking an employee-first approach in everything we do, so that they can bring their best to our kids. We just finished a five-year compensation plan to increase their wages. As a result, we doubled our retention rate for part-timers, which is huge. ... Part of my legacy is ensuring employees know how much I care about them.
What prompted this decision to step down for you right now? I had to choose between my big BGCH family and my littler family, which live in Vancouver, Canada. So, we’ll be relocating to Washington state, near the border, just a 20 minute drive from them and we’ll be much closer. It’s going to be wonderful. I actually lived in Vancouver for many years and both of my kids were born there. All of us are duel citizens.
How is the search going for your successor? Who would be an ideal candidate, and why? The board of directors is looking to hire an executive search firm, and we also have the support of Boys and Girls Club of America. … And I will 100% be part of that transition, as will our board. It’ll be a team effort, and I am so lucky we have the team that we do.
The next CEO might be in our Islands or on the continent, or maybe someone originally from Hawaiʻi who wants to come back home. There are so many options. Our mission is No. 1, so for anyone we hire, making sure they are passionate about helping kids and have a heart working for kids. They have to be willing to go that extra mile.
Being a Native Hawaiian myself has been such a help because we are part of a national movement but marrying that with our special culture here has really allowed us to meet our kids where theyʻre at, while honoring their cultures, as well. So the next CEO, maybe if they arenʻt Native Hawaiian, they must have a passion for culture, especially in Hawaiʻi, which is such a melting pot.
We want a leader who is experienced with financial acumen, who can support 120 staff. We want them to think strategically now into the future. Iʻd also ask my successor to have a similar approach with employees, to recognize frontline employees for their good work and keep their best interests in mind.
Those interested in applying and learning more about the role can email pkauhane@bgch.com.
What will retirement hold for you? I've been home now for 18 years and will miss the people the most. I am looking forward to be closer to family, and who knows, might get involved with Boys and Girls Club over there. I want to continue dancing hula and may even write a book.
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
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