HCAN executive director lands city job, new interim named

Deborah Zysman’s last day as executive director of Hawai’i Children’s Action Network will be Aug. 15, the organization announced Wednesday. After 13 years at the helm of HCAN, she will become deputy director for the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, effective Aug. 18.

"It has been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside such dedicated staff, board members, partners, funders and community advocates to make Hawaiʻi a better place for children and families,” Zysman said in a statement. “Together, we’ve created lasting change that will continue to shape a brighter future. I am deeply grateful for the trust, collaboration and passion that have fueled our work, and I look forward to seeing HCAN’s impact continue to grow in the years ahead.”

Lisa Maruyama, an independent consultant and former President and CEO of Hawaiʻi Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations, or HANO, assumed the role of interim executive director for HCAN on Aug. 11. She brings nearly 30 years of nonprofit experience and to the organization.

HCAN’s mission is “to build a unified voice educating and advocating for Hawaiʻi's children,” by addressing “the root causes of poverty and inequity” and developing public policies. Some of the nonprofit’s priorities within the last decade have been implementing Paid Family and Medical Leave in Hawai’i and expanding affordable housing and childcare options, among other economic supports.

“More families are fed up with government officials. At the moment, it feels like we can’t count on the federal government to help working class families, so we’ll be asking what our state is doing to help working class families stay here, survive here, thrive here,” Zysman previously told Aloha State Daily in February about an event put on by HCAN Speaks!, the lobbying arm of Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network, at the Hawai’i State Capitol.

In the same interview, Zysman said, “We’re building more of a movement, a strong community voice, and bringing together more families and advocates.”

A Sept. 13 fundraising gala will honor Zysman, along with champions for children, while highlighting HCAN’s work in the community. Tickets may be purchased here now through Aug. 20. All proceeds from ticket sales and funds raised during the event will support HCAN’s mission, according to the nonprofit.

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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.