The North Kohala Community Resource Center has named Leelen Park as its new executive director effective Jan. 16.
Park most recently served as director of development for The Food Basket in Hilo. He also served as district director for Aloha Council, Hawaii Island.
“Leelen will bring additional leadership, passion and creativity to our organization along with a deep sense of commitment to his home-town community,” said board president Nathan Trump. “He has served other Hawaii Island nonprofits at the program, fundraising and leadership levels, and has a breadth of perspective and experience that we welcome.”
Park was born and raised in North Kohala and is a graduate of Kohala High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
“It is an incredible honor and privilege to be given this opportunity to come home after 21 years and serve the community where I was raised,” Park said in a press release. “Together with the dynamic board of directors and hard working staff, I will work tirelessly to reaffirm the importance of our mission to our valued donors and supporters.”
The mission of NKCRC is to support successful projects that benefit the North Kohala community.
The nonprofit center provides training, education and bridges to funding for more than 70 projects. Supported by three staff and a dedicated board of directors consisting of community members with diverse backgrounds, the center’s projects include after-school programs, affordable housing, agriculture, kupuna programs, cultural celebrations, athletics and more.
To learn more, visit NorthKohala.org, email info@northkohala.org or call (808) 889-5523.