Office of Hawaiian Affairs to Name New CEO
The board of trustees voted on Wednesday to appoint Todd Apo as the agency's new chief executive.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Should local boards prioritize professional experience over internal staff consensus when appointing new organizational leaders?
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) board selected former Honolulu City Council member Todd Apo to lead the organization following a 5-to-4 vote on Wednesday. The board is expected to finalize his appointment on Thursday.
Why it matters
The leadership change arrives after the removal of former CEO Stacy Ferreira in September 2025 amid allegations of retaliatory firing. The new executive will be tasked with managing OHA operations and overseeing significant holdings, including 30 acres of land in Kakaʻako Makai.
The CEO position carries a $260,000 annual base salary with a maximum contract duration of five years. Compensation includes performance-based incentives that could push total annual pay to $316,031.
The players
Todd Apo
He is a former Honolulu City Council member who served for six years.
Summer Sylva
She served as the interim CEO and was a candidate for the permanent position.
Stacy Ferreira
She was the former OHA CEO who was removed from her position in September 2025.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
This is a state agency responsible for managing assets and policies for Native Hawaiians.
The details
The board opted for Apo while declining to offer the permanent role to interim CEO Summer Sylva. The new executive will manage OHA staff and execute board policies for the organization, which oversees assets valued at $900 million.
Timeline
September 2025: Former CEO Stacy Ferreira was removed from her post.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026: The Board of Trustees voted to select Todd Apo.
Thursday, October 22, 2026: The board is expected to finalize the appointment.
October 31, 2026: The contract of former CEO Stacy Ferreira expires.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition occurs as the organization navigates internal governance challenges and high-stakes land stewardship in areas like Kakaʻako Makai. The shift marks a potential change in strategy for the agency as it moves past recent administrative conflicts.
The change in leadership will impact how the agency manages its $900 million in trust assets and regional policy decisions. Residents may see shifts in operational priorities for agency-owned lands as the new executive assumes control.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new leader is a critical step for the organization as it looks to stabilize its administrative functions after a period of turnover. Establishing clear board-executive communication will be essential for managing the agency's substantial land holdings moving forward.
What happens next
The board of trustees is scheduled to take a formal final vote to confirm Todd Apo as the permanent chief executive on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Further reading
For more context on organizational changes, visit the Hawaii People section.
Live Poll
Should local boards prioritize professional experience over internal staff consensus when appointing new organizational leaders?
