The Pacific American Foundation (PAF) enters a new chapter as Kapono Ciotti steps into the role of Chief Executive Officer, carrying forward a legacy rooted in cultural preservation, community, and education.
These values align with The Hana Group’s commitment to people-centered growth and meaningful impact.
Since 2005, Herb Lee, Jr. has shaped PAF into a nationally recognized leader in culture-based education. A Native Hawaiian and visionary educator, Lee’s work has reached more than 70,000 students and trained over 3,500 teachers across Hawai‘i. From the preservation of the 400-year-old Waikalua Loko Fishpond to award-winning programs like Kāhea Loko and Aloha ʻĀina, his leadership has been grounded in stewardship and a deep commitment to future generations.
As he steps into the role of CEO Emeritus and continues to serve on the board, his influence remains foundational to PAF’s path forward. As Herb has shared, “I’m retiring from the position, not the mission.”
Now, Kapono Ciotti takes the helm. A globally recognized voice in education and systems transformation, he brings a wise, thoughtful, and grounded presence to this next chapter. As a Native Hawaiian, Ciotti centers his leadership on building meaningful connections—between people, ideas, and place—and on the belief that education is one of the most powerful forms of social justice.
With a career spanning continents and collaborations with educators, policymakers, and cultural leaders worldwide, Ciotti brings both depth and perspective. As co-author of The Landscape Model of Learning, he has helped reimagine how learners engage with knowledge, bridging indigenous wisdom with modern educational practice.
Rooted in legacy and driven by purpose, PAF continues its mission to empower communities through education that honors place, culture, and connection.
Under Ciotti’s leadership, PAF moves forward with clarity—expanding its reach, deepening its impact, and carrying this work to more communities and future generations.