(BIVN) – The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs has named an Interim Administrator following the paid administrative leave of CEO Stacy Ferreira.

The OHA Board of Trustees announced on Thursday that it has appointed BOT Chief of Staff Summer Sylva as OHA’s Interim Administrator (CEO). Sylva’s appointment as Interim CEO is effective September 23, 2025, and until further notice, OHA says.

“Summer brings a strong and steady professional background to OHA,” said OHA Board Chair Kaialiʻi Kahele. “Her previous leadership as the Executive Director at the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and as the Senior Advisor for Native Hawaiian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior reflects her longstanding commitment to serving the Native Hawaiian community. She has worked across legal, policy, and governance spaces, with a focus on advocacy, stewardship, and self-determination.”

From the Office of Hawaiian Affairs:

As BOT Chief of Staff, Sylva has demonstrated a solid working knowledge of Board governance, strategic operations, and interdepartmental coordination.

“The Board has full confidence in Summer’s ability in this interim role to lead with integrity, maintain organizational stability, and foster strong relationships with staff, partners, and the community,” added Trustee Brickwood Galuteria, chairman of the Beneficiary Advocacy Empowerment Committee.

“I’m honored to serve as Interim Administrator and remain focused on providing steady leadership during this period,” Sylva said. “My priority is ensuring continuity in OHA’s work and supporting our staff and mission.”