A Transition of Leadership at Catholic Charities Hawai‘i
A Transition of Leadership at Catholic Charities Hawai‘i
After five transformative years with the organization, Catholic Charities Hawai’i (CCH) President and CEO Rob Van Tassell will retire on January 6, 2025. Last month, the CCH Board of Directors selected CCH Chief Operating Officer Tina Andrade to succeed him as the first female and Native Hawaiian leader of the organization.
Van Tassell leaves behind a legacy of innovation, resilience, and commitment to the most vulnerable members of our community. Since joining CCH in 2019, Van Tassell has guided the organization through remarkable achievements, including the swift and effective implementation of the federal CARES Act Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program, distributing approximately $60 million to nearly 14,000 households during the COVID-19 pandemic. His organization also oversaw similar rent relief programs for Honolulu City & County and Maui County distributing another $160 million and 13,000 households assisted.
Under Van Tassell’s tenure, CCH also commemorated its 75th anniversary in 2022 and he oversaw the completion of affordable senior housing developments, Meheula Vista and Kahului Lani on Oahu and Maui. Most recently, he led disaster response efforts following the Maui wildfires, providing critical support to affected communities.
Reflecting on his tenure, Van Tassell shared, “It has been my honor and privilege to steward Catholic Charities through a period of transformational change. What began as a challenge to innovate one of the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive human services agencies in Hawai‘i resulted in a nimble, responsive, and strategic community partner. I am humbled to have worked alongside such dedicated colleagues who demonstrate unwavering compassion for Hawai‘i’s most vulnerable every day.”
Incoming President and CEO Tina Andrade, brings more than 20 years of experience with CCH, having most recently served as Chief Operating Officer. Since joining the organization in 2003, she has been a pivotal leader, instrumental in shaping the agency’s mission, advancing its strategic initiatives, and navigating critical community challenges, particularly in affordable housing. Under her guidance, CCH secured $200 million to expand affordable housing in Hawai‘i and facilitated the distribution of over $150 million in federal rental assistance during the pandemic.
We look forward to celebrating Rob’s incredible contributions and welcoming Tina into her new role as we continue to build on CCH’s mission of compassion and service!