The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dhiren Patel as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience in finance, strategic planning, accounting, treasury management, compliance, and business operations across several of the world’s leading media, entertainment, technology, and financial services organizations.
Patel joins OHA following an accomplished career that includes executive leadership positions with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox, Deloitte, and ROW8, where he led complex financial operations supporting multi-billion-dollar organizations. Throughout his career, he has overseen budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, treasury operations, mergers and acquisitions, enterprise risk management, SOX compliance, internal controls, financial systems implementation, and strategic planning initiatives designed to improve operational performance and strengthen organizational accountability.
As Chief Financial Officer, Patel will oversee OHA’s financial management, budgeting, accounting, treasury functions, financial reporting, investments, internal controls, and long-range financial planning. He will work closely with OHA leadership and the Board of Trustees to ensure the responsible stewardship of the agency’s resources in support of its mission to improve the wellbeing of Native Hawaiians.
“Dhiren brings exceptional financial expertise, strategic judgment, and a genuine warmth and understanding of people and organizations,” said Summer Sylva, OHA Interim Chief Administrator.
“That matters at OHA because fiscal stewardship is about far more than mastering numbers. It is fiduciary integrity made visible in every decision – large and small – concerning the trust assets entrusted to us. Dhiren understands that the work of finance must be grounded in mission, guided by values, and focused on creating lasting benefit for Native Hawaiians and generations to come. We are very fortunate to welcome him to OHA.
“He brings the rare combination of technical financial expertise, strategic vision, and executive leadership that will help position OHA for continued success,” Sylva added. “His experience leading finance organizations at globally recognized companies, coupled with his commitment to accountability, transparency, and operational excellence, will strengthen our ability to responsibly steward the resources entrusted to OHA. We are excited to welcome Dhiren to our leadership team as we continue advancing our mission on behalf of Native Hawaiians and future generations.”
Patel’s extensive background includes leading cross-functional teams, developing sophisticated financial models to support executive decision-making, implementing enterprise financial systems, strengthening governance and compliance frameworks, and driving operational improvements through data- informed financial management.
“I am honored to join the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and contribute to an organization with such an important mission,” said Patel. “I look forward to working alongside the Board of Trustees, leadership, and staff to ensure OHA’s financial resources are managed with integrity, transparency, and strategic purpose in long-term stewardship in service to Native Hawaiian beneficiaries.”
Patel’s appointment reflects OHA’s continued commitment to attracting experienced executive leadership that supports sound fiscal management, organizational excellence, and mission-aligned stewardship of resources entrusted to the agency for the benefit of Native Hawaiians.
 is pleased to announce the appointment of Dhiren Patel as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).){kind=link}