Executive Director

Executive Director for AccesSurf Hawaii

Executive Director for AccesSurf Hawaii is a mission-driven leader, with strategic planning and fundraising experience, a strong background in nonprofit and community-based organizations, and a commitment to disability advocacy and inclusive program development.

About AccesSurf

AccesSurf is a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to making the beach and ocean accessible to individuals with physical, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities. Founded in 2006 in Honolulu, Hawai’i, it has grown from humble beginnings—“a few pickup trucks, lots of duct tape”—to a leading adaptive water-sports organization that delivers over 90 program days and more than 4,000 life‑changing experiences annually.

AccesSurf’s signature monthly event, “Day at the Beach,” enables participants to surf and enjoy the ocean safely with the help of trained volunteers, adaptive equipment, and accessible infrastructure.

The organization also offers programs such as Wounded Warrior Day at the Beach, adaptive swim and surf clinics, adaptive outrigger canoeing, multi‑day surf camps, corporate engagement events, and the Hawai’I Adaptive Surfing Championships. Recently added partnership program on Maui with Kahākūkahi Foundation.

Leadership has evolved steadily : Mark Marble served as Executive Director until 2013, followed by Cara Short, who has led an era of rapid growth. AccesSurf has emerged as a respected adaptive sports nonprofit, with a strong volunteer structure and leadership committee guiding logistics and expansion.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is the visionary leader and operational head of AccesSurf, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission of providing life‑changing accessible water programs for people with disabilities. This role combines strategic vision with day‑to‑day management, ensuring program excellence, financial sustainability, community impact, and the preservation of AccesSurf’s core values—Share the Aloha, Ride the Wave, and Ocean of Possibilities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Board Governance & Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Board of Directors, staff, and leadership committees to define and execute a strategic vision for growth and long‑term sustainability.
• Provide timely, transparent communication to the Board to support informed governance and decision‑making.
• Lead AccesSurf in a manner that supports and guides its mission, values, and strategic plan.

2. Program Oversight & Mission Fulfillment

3. Fundraising, Financial Management & Sustainability

4. Staff, Volunteer & Leadership Development

5. Community Relations, Advocacy & External Engagement

6. Board Governance & Collaboration

7. Organizational Operations

Qualifications

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