Dean of UH Manoa Myron B. Thompson
Dr. Jon K. Matsuoka will be leaving his position as dean of the UH Manoa Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work in August to become the Consuelo Foundation’s third president and chief executive officer.
Matsuoka joined the school 25 years ago, and has served as dean for the past decade. “The administration at UH Manoa has been most supportive of my tenure as well as my move to Consuelo, and I am deeply appreciative,” said Matsuoka.
UH Manoa Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw notes that Dean Matsuoka was pivotal in developing the multicultural approach of the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work toward solving social issues. “That emphasis has resulted in training more effective social workers for Hawai‘i, and has won international recognition for our School,” said Hinshaw.
Patti J. Lyons, founding president and CEO of Consuelo, describes Matsuoka as “compassionate, committed and competent.” Said Lyons, “As Chair of the School’s Community Advisory Board for several years, I have seen Jon in action and experienced his style of management. He is visionary, yet practical, with a combination of skills needed by the foundation. He is the right person at the right time.” Added Jeffrey Watanabe, chair of the Consuelo board of directors, “On behalf of the entire board, we welcome Jon to our organization, and look forward to working together with him. He was, by far, the most outstanding candidate among many.”
In leaving the UH Manoa campus, Matsuoka said it was a difficult decision, because he will be leaving behind many “dear friends who are committed to their fields of study, and who work exceptionally hard to enhance the quality of life of local residents.” Yet, he added, “I am ready to take on new challenges and commit myself to carrying out the Foundation’s mission, as Consuelo has a reputation for being a first-rate and highly effective organization with a dedicated board and staff.”
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