Maile Uohara has been appointed as Punahou’s new Director of Enrollment Management and Admissions, effective July 19, 2021. She replaces Betsy Hata, who will be retiring this summer after more than 17 years leading our admissions and financial aid efforts.
A Maui native, Maile currently serves as Chief of Enrollment Management and Variable Tuition at the Silicon Valley International School (INTL) in Palo Alto, California, a role that she has held for the past 13 years. At INTL, Maile oversees the preschool – grade 12 admissions, financial aid and enrollment strategies. She is a recognized expert in the areas of recruitment, student retention and data analysis.
Uohara is the current president and a founding board member of the Bay Area Directors of Admission, a consortium of over 110 independent schools, and has also served as its Director of Statistics. In addition to her work in admissions, she has extensive experience in marketing, advancement and information technology, drawing from each of these areas to enhance her innovative work in enrollment management.
“Punahou is known internationally for educating global change-makers and leaders in science, the arts, public service and much more,” Uohara said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a school community that seeks to develop future leaders through an unparalleled educational journey. My move to Punahou allows me to work alongside some of the most esteemed educational leaders in the country and provides me with an opportunity to bring my family home to the Islands.”
Punahou President Mike Latham ’86 said Uohara’s title reflects the strategic goals she will pursue. “It’s one of Punahou’s most vital leadership positions, serving as an important link between our School and our families,” he said. “Maile’s strong track-record of relationship-building, her analytical skill, and her great energy and integrity make her the ideal person to lead our Admissions Department and School’s enrollment efforts into the future.”
In his message announcing Uohara’s appointment, Latham also thanked Hata’s extraordinary service to Punahou over the past four decades, beginning first as an elementary school teacher in 1979. “Over the coming months, I look forward to recognizing and celebrating Betsy’s deep commitment, many achievements and the wonderful legacy that she has given to generations of students and families at our School,” he said.