When Victoria Hanes ’02 arrived at Chaminade University from Mililani as an only child with aspirations of becoming a therapist, she never imagined her path would lead to the executive suite of one of Hawaiʻi Island’s largest healthcare organizations.
Today, Hanes is preparing to take on a new role as Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaii Island Community Health Center, effective Nov. 1, 2026. Earlier this year, she was also recognized by Hawaii Business Magazine as one of its “20 for the Next 20,” honoring emerging leaders helping shape Hawaiʻi’s future.
For Hanes, the journey began at Chaminade, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and discovered a community that would leave a lasting impression on her life.
“Coming from Mililani Town as an only child, I was suddenly surrounded by a vibrant, diverse group of peers from all over the world who quickly became like an extended family,” Hanes said.
She credits Chaminade with providing both the academic foundation and personal support that helped shape her future.
“Chaminade created a nurturing and supportive environment, especially for those of us living on campus, and it allowed me the space to mature into a young adult,” she said. “Those moments and lessons have stayed with me, and I will always cherish that unique period of my life.”
After graduating, Hanes continued her studies in psychology and behavioral health, earning advanced degrees while pursuing her passion for helping others. Her professional path led her to the Rural Hawaiʻi Behavioral Health Training Program at I Ola Lāhui, where she completed an internship and postdoctoral fellowship serving communities across the state.
That experience introduced her to Kailua-Kona, where she found both a professional calling and a place to call home.
In 2010, Hanes joined Hawaii Island Community Health Center as a licensed clinical psychologist. Over the next 16 years, she helped guide the organization through significant growth, serving first as Behavioral Health Department Director and later as Executive Vice President of Administration and Operations.
Today, HICHC employs nearly 500 people and provides care to approximately 40,000 patients across Hawaiʻi Island through medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and school-based health programs. The nonprofit, federally qualified health center was founded to ensure access to quality healthcare regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
“One of the most meaningful parts of my work is watching our employees grow with the health center, much like I did,” Hanes said.
Her appointment as CEO reflects both her deep institutional knowledge and long-standing commitment to community health. In her new role, she will work with the board of directors to advance strategic priorities, expand healthcare access across Hawaiʻi Island, strengthen financial sustainability and support the organization’s workforce and patient-centered mission.
“I didn’t initially set out to pursue a career in healthcare administration,” Hanes said. “My early work as a psychologist in community health centers, however, showed me both the profound impact of direct patient care and the systemic barriers that often limit access and equity.”
Those experiences ultimately inspired her to pursue leadership as another way to serve.
From a psychology student eager to help others to the leader of an organization providing care for tens of thousands of residents, Hanes has built a career defined by service, compassion and a commitment to expanding opportunity. Along the way, she has demonstrated how a passion for helping individuals can grow into a broader mission of strengthening the health and well-being of entire communities.
For more information about Hawaii Island Community Health Center, visit HICHC.org.
