Jacce Mikulanec has been selected as the new president and executive director of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, succeeding the retiring Carole Hayashi- no. Mikulanec’s first day on the job will be Jan. 1, 2019.
In a press release, JCCH board chair Ken Hayashida said Mikulanec’s “enthusiasm for JCCH’s mission, leadership in the community, and professional experience in local, state, national government relations, and fundraising impressed the board of directors.”
“I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity,” stated Mikulanec. “The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i is the preeminent source of information on the Japanese American experience in this state; JCCH’s work to conserve and perpetuate the stories and experiences of past generations is more relevant today than ever before.” He said he looks forward to working with the staff, volunteers, members and community partners to continue and expand JCCH’s programs, research and exhibits.
“We are grateful to Carole Hayashino for her outstanding service (seven years), commitment and leadership moving our organization forward,” stated Hayashida. Hayashino will remain with the center through February 2019 as JCCH president emeritus to support Mikulanec during his transition. “We look forward to working with Jacce to build upon the momentum created and move JCCH into the future,” Hayashida added.
Mikulanec currently works in government relations for HMSA. He previously served as the policy and community partnership director for Good Beginnings Alliance, a nonprofit organization focused on early childhood education and well-being. Additionally, he was special assistant to former Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz. Mikulanec has been a board member with the Japanese American Citizens League’s Honolulu Chapter since 2010 and served as 2014-16 president. During his term, he worked with JCCH on its efforts to establish the Honouliuli National Monument.
Mikulanec moved to Hawai‘i in 1999 to attend graduate school at the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa. Mikulanec earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and his master’s in anthropology with an emphasis on Polynesian archaeology from the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa.
