HONOLULU, HAWAII – Former news anchor and philanthropy executive Kim Gennaula has been tapped to replace Susan Au Doyle as President and Chief Professional Officer of Aloha United Way starting June 13, 2011. She will be responsible for leading, managing and directing the organization’s efforts to fulfill its mission to improve lives, motivate people to help others, increase resources to meet needs and inspire collective solutions to community problems.
Said Aloha United Way Board Chairman Robert Hale, “This is an exciting time for the organization. Susan has done a tremendous job over the years, cultivating the respect of staff, donors, other nonprofit leaders and state policymakers alike. There are so many great opportunities ahead of us, as we evolve to meet the needs and concerns of the community. Kim is the ideal person to lead charge, with her great energy, creativity, insight and leadership.”
Most recently, Gennaula served as Philanthropy Director at Kapiolani Health Foundation, where she was responsible for cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors for Kapiolani Medical Center’s operations and hospital programs. Prior to that, she served as News Anchor at KGMB-TV from 1993 to 2008. Gennaula also has experience creating and managing Communications Departments for Liberty House and The Sharper Image.
“Kim brings a unique blend of experience to this critical position,” said Hale. “Kim was selected by a team of community leaders who believe her background in development will serve the organization well, as it gives her an innate understanding of the major issues facing our partner agencies. Her most recent position, coupled with her television experience, has also resulted in a solid, credible reputation within the community and in extensive long-term relationships with business and government professionals.”
Appointed in April by Governor Neil Abercrombie to serve on the Board of Education, Gennaula is also a volunteer member on two public school reform committees. A frequent emcee at non-profit functions and fundraisers, she has additionally volunteered her time with the March of Dimes and Angel Network.
“It was a very difficult decision to leave The Kapiolani Health Foundation, but I do so knowing that the great momentum we’ve been experiencing will continue and result in a tremendous future for the hospital and its mission,” said Gennaula. “I am pleased and honored to join the Aloha United Way team. It is the beginning of a new era where we will think creatively to develop new strategies that support our donors, our non-profit partners and the businesses who work with us to help the community. In this economy, our non-profits need us more than ever, and we will be committed to finding innovative ways to assist in that fundraising effort to help even more agencies.”
Aloha United Way is a change agent and efficient community fundraiser that improves lives by addressing the community’s most pressing needs. By convening diverse partners and investing in programs and people to advance solutions, Aloha United Way creates long-lasting change. The organization helps children and youth succeed, strengthens and supports families by promoting financial stability, aids in the rehabilitation and treatment of those with addictions, invests in getting homeless families sheltered and housed, ensures the safety and well-being of the most-needy in the community, and provides statewide access to information and referral sources to help individuals find the help they need. For more information, call (808) 543-2203 or visit www.auw.org.
Submitted by AUW