Raymond P. Vara, Jr.
Raymond P. Vara, Jr.'s financial and operational background, and his senior executive and audit committee experience, have made him a valuable asset to the BOH board since 2013. His community involvement and leadership of Hawaii's largest health care provider and nongovernmental employer also bring a valuable perspective to the board.
Mr. Vara has served as president and CEO of Hawai‘i Pacific Health since 2012 and was named Hawaii Business Magazine CEO of the Year in 2021. Mr. Vara oversees Hawaii's largest health care provider comprised of Straub Medical Center, Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children, Pali Momi Medical Center, Wilcox Medical Center and Kaua‘i Medical Clinic. He previously served as its executive vice president and CEO of operations since 2004.
He formerly served as chief financial officer and CEO for Los Alamos Medical Center in New Mexico. Mr. Vara previously held positions in the United States Army.
Mr. Vara holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Hawai‘i Pacific University and an M.B.A. from the University of Alaska at Fairbanks.
He serves as a board director for Island Holdings, Inc., Island Insurance Company, Ltd., Tradewind Capital Group, Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative and the National Board of the American Heart Association where he is chairman. He is also a trustee for Blood Bank of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Pacific University, where he is chair of the Compensation Committee. He previously served as a trustee of Hawai’i and Mid-Pacific Institute.