“I’m truly delighted to welcome Clare back to Punahou in this role,” said President Mike Latham ’86. “Her remarkable career reflects an abiding commitment to service, integrity and thoughtful leadership. Clare understands this school and its values, and she brings both professional wisdom and a genuine care for our community. We are fortunate to have her distinctive perspective and voice on the Board.”

A proud Punahou alumna, Connors graduated from the school in 1992 before earning her bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Yale College and her law degree from Harvard Law School. Before attending law school, she served as the Operations Coordinator for the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. She began her legal career with the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., serving as a trial attorney in the Tax Division and as a special assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia. She later returned home to serve as an assistant U.S. attorney in Hawai‘i for seven years, focusing on complex financial and public corruption cases.

Following her federal service, Connors practiced civil litigation as a partner at Davis Levin Livingston in Honolulu, where she represented individuals and organizations across a wide range of matters, including commercial disputes, consumer protection, and personal injury cases. In 2015, she was nominated by President Barack Obama ’79 to serve as a U.S. district judge for the District of Hawai‘i.

Connors said her decision to serve reflects a desire to give back to the community that helped shape her. “Punahou instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility to others and the importance of using one’s education to serve the broader community,” she said. “I’m profoundly grateful for the opportunity to support Punahou’s mission and to help ensure that future generations are prepared to think critically, act ethically, and lead with intention.”

Board Chair W. David P. Carey III also welcomed Connors’ service. “Clare brings exceptional legal judgment, deep public service experience, and a strong sense of purpose,” Carey said. “Her integrity, perspective, and connection to Punahou will be tremendous assets as we continue to steward the school’s mission.”

In addition to her professional work, Connors remains actively engaged in the community. She is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Hawai‘i William S. Richardson School of Law. She and her husband are the proud parents of two children, including a current Punahou student and a Punahou alum, and are long-time supporters of Punahou Carnival and The Outdoor Circle.