Governor Abercrombie Appoints Marc Alexander as Coordinator on Homelessness in Hawaii

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 20, 2011

Honolulu – Stressing his commitment to end homelessness in Hawaii, Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the appointment of Marc Alexander as the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness.

Alexander will be the lead person on Governor Abercrombie’s efforts to end homelessness. Alexander will work with state and federal agencies, community programs and foundations, and the business community to find opportunities and solutions to address homelessness collaboratively.

“I feel profoundly grateful that we have this tremendous opportunity to have Marc join our Administration to work on homelessness, an issue of deep, mutual concern,” Governor Abercrombie said. “Our administration is dedicated to investing in the people of Hawaii and ending homelessness. Marc will lead a multi-faceted approach that requires collaboration among many departments, organizations, lawmakers, and programs.”

Alexander, 52, was most recently the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. During the 2010 campaign, Governor Abercrombie spoke on two occasions to the Hawaii Pastors Roundtable, events attended by Alexander. Through these discussions, Alexander said his interest in Governor Abercrombie and his vision of “A New Day in Hawaii” began. 

Alexander submitted his resume, along with thousands of other applicants, through the Abercrombie-Schatz Transition website, NewDayHawaii.org.

"I believe this administration brings hope to the complex issue of homelessness,” Alexander said. “I am humbled by the confidence in my ability to work toward a solution. Through this position, I hope to honor all the public and private servants who have worked tirelessly to address the fundamental need of shelter, for the good of all residents."

As Vicar General of the Catholic Church in Hawaii, Alexander oversaw the operations of the statewide 1,300-employee operation. Alexander has the experience of bringing people together around a common vision. Alexander was part of the team that developed the Diocese’s award-winning first-ever strategic plan and also oversaw its first major capital campaign, bringing in almost $60 million in pledges.

Born in Japan and raised in Hawaii, Alexander has served in the islands for over 25 years.  He studied in Indiana, Belgium and Italy, receiving Doctorate in Sacred Theology from Gregorian University in Rome.

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