Gail Mukaihata Hannemann is president of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), a national health justice organization which influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

A seasoned agent of change, whether it be at the highest levels of government, within corporate structures, or amongst community-based organizations, throughout her career and volunteer service, she has worked to improve the quality of life for communities.  Her understanding of how governmental policy shapes and influences society was cultivated working in our nation’s capital.  Her degree in economics from UCLA as well as a vice-president for a marketing and research firm, provided insights into how people make informed decisions.  She sharpened her organizational change management skills serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of Hawaii working in partnership with its national organization, Girl Scouts of the USA, to usher in sweeping governance, operational and programmatic changes to its then-100 year old girl-focused, volunteer driven leadership program.

Her belief that well-run, mission-driven nonprofits are vital to strengthening communities has her serving on several boards. Currently, as Vice-Chair of Hawai`i Medical Assurance Association (HMAA), and as member and past chair of the Hawai’i Arts Alliance, affiliated with the Americans for the Arts and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  She recently resigned as a member of the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum.