Kamehameha Schools, one of the nation’s wealthiest charities and the state’s largest private landowner, said Eric Marler will take over as vice president and chief financial officer on Nov. 15, succeeding Michael Loo who left last summer to join Sopogy, Inc., an Oahu solar technology company.

Marler will oversee Kamehameha School’s endowment, which was worth $7.8 billion on June 30, and a staff of 80 at the schools’ Kawaiahao Plaza business offices.

“Marler is currently the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Hawaii Reserves Inc., the property development and management company responsible for the Hawaii property holdings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a position he has held since 1997. His last day in that position is Nov. 14,” according to a news release from Kamehameha Schools.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Eric Marler to our ohana,” said Kamehameha Schools CEO Dee Jay Mailer. “His experience with long-term strategic budgeting, finance, real estate development and working with the educational community at BYU will serve Kamehameha Schools well. He has embraced the many cultures of Hawaii through the diverse community of Laie.  He loves working with students and is thrilled to know we expect all of our executives at Kamehameha to be involved in our culture and with our learners.”

“I am honored and excited by this opportunity,” Marler stated. “I am inspired by the schools’ educational outreach and look forward to working with the Kamehameha Schools ohana to fulfill its mission.”

Kamehameha Schools, a private charitable trust, was founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop and operates a statewide educational system for Native Hawaiian students.