The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i has selected Jacce Mikulanec to serve as its new president and executive director starting Jan. 1.

“We were fortunate to receive interest from a broad range of qualified, experienced applicants who share our passion for the organization,” said Ken Hayashida, chairman of JCCH, in a news release. “Jacce 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.”

Mikulanec currently works in government relations for the Hawaii Medical Service Association.

He has also served as the Policy and Community Partnership Director at the Good Beginnings Alliance, now Hawaii Children’s Action Network, a non-profit focused on early childhood education, and as special assistant on policy for former Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz. He serves on the boards of the Manoa Valley Theatre and Gregory House and was recently appointed to the Hawaii Supreme Court Committee on Equality and Access to Courts.

He has been a board member of the Japanese American Citizens League, Honolulu Chapter, since 2010, and served as its president from 2014 to 2016. During his term as president, Mikulanec worked closely with JCCH on efforts to establish the Honouliuli National Monument.

“I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity,” said Mikulanec in a statement. “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. I look forward to working with the staff, volunteers, members and community partners to continue and expand the quality programs, research, and exhibits that the JCCH is known for.”

Mikulanec replaces outgoing director Carole Hayashino, who will continue on as JCCH president emeritus to help with the transition through February 2019.