The Board of Directors of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sylvia Yuen as RCUH’s new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2015.

Dr. Yuen has had a long and distinguished career at the University of Hawaii, which spans decades in both academics and administration.  She has dedicated her professional and personal life to serving Hawaii’s families and communities.

For almost 20 years, Dr. Yuen focused her efforts on building and leading the University of Hawaii’s Center on the Family, which grew under her leadership from an idea to a vibrant unit of the University. Dr. Yuen also served as the Interim Dean of UH-Mänoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, the first woman to direct the College since its founding in 1907.  Because of her experience and proven abilities, Dr. Yuen was requested to serve on then UH President Greenwood’s leadership team to focus on food security and safety.

Dr. Yuen has served on the boards of directors for numerous nonprofit organizations and on various advisory committees including the Institute for Human Services, Hawaii Community Foundation, Aloha United Way, Honolulu Community Action Program, and the Federal Judicial Selection Commission.

Dr. Yuen is no stranger to RCUH, as her University career included serving as Principal Investigator of numerous projects which were serviced by RCUH.  The Board and staff look forward to welcoming Dr. Yuen to the RCUH ohana and working with her.

The Board also expresses its thanks and appreciation to Dr. Michael Hamnett, the current Executive Director, who will be retiring on June 30, 2015, for his eleven years of dedicated service.  Thank you, Mike, and all the best in your upcoming retirement!