HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bank of Hawaii Corporation (NYSE: BOH) announced that its shareholders have elected Raymond Vara to serve on its board of directors, effective April 26. Vara is the president and chief executive officer of Hawai‘i Pacific Health, the state’s largest health care provider and parent company of Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children, Pali Momi Medical Center, Straub Clinic & Hospital and Wilcox Memorial Hospital (Kaua‘i).
“On behalf of Bank of Hawaii, I am delighted to welcome Ray Vara to our board,” said Peter Ho, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Bank of Hawaii Corp. “Ray is a veteran of the health care industry whose extensive accomplishments and expertise will provide valuable insight and perspective. As a highly respected member of the community, Ray’s intimate understanding of the needs and concerns for the future of Hawai‘i make him a great match and significant addition to our board.”
“I am honored to join the board and look forward to working with the team of professionals at Bank of Hawaii,” said Vara.
Vara joined Hawai‘i Pacific Health in 2002 as executive vice president and CEO of operations, and assumed the role as president and CEO in 2013. Prior to that, Vara served as chief executive officer at Los Alamos Medical Center, a member of Banner Health System in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He was the center’s chief financial officer before being appointed CEO. From 1988-98, Vara served as a U.S. Army Officer with various assignments including assistant administrator and chief financial officer for Bassett Army Community Hospital in Fairbanks, Alaska, and deputy chief financial officer for Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash., and with the 9th Infantry Regiment, FT Lewis, Wash.
Vara holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Hawai‘i Pacific University and an MBA from the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on several local and national boards to include: director, Island Insurance Co., Ltd.; director, American Heart Association (national); director, American Heart Association Western States Affiliate; trustee, Hawai‘i Pacific University; director, American Red Cross, Hawai‘i State Chapter; director, Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i; and director, Ahahui Koa Anuenue.
