Meet the EPIC ‘Ohana Board Members: Peter Lewis
Peter Lewis, EPIC Board Member
EPIC has been fortunate to have many outstanding board members, and Peter Lewis is no exception. Peter is a firm believer in giving back to one’s community and has served on numerous boards over the years. In his early years, during his work as a lawyer in the Attorney General’s office and then as the Vice President of Hawaiian Electric and Hawaiian Electric Industries, he was on the board of several fine non-profit organization, including art organizations, whose primary mission, however, did not serve the needs of the disadvantaged and suffering. He was an active mediator and President of the board of The Neighborhood Justice Center (predecessor to the Mediation Center of the Pacific), serving with Arlynna Howell-Livingston. But it was an epiphany, sparked by a conversation with his secretary, that eventually led him to EPIC.
During that conversation, his tell-it-like-it-is secretary pointed out there were people who were suffering who needed his help more than these other organizations. That statement started the wheels in Peter’s head and heart turning. He truly did want to make a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged. It wasn’t long before he left that non-profit world and joined the board of the Institute for Human Services (IHS), where he served for more than 20 years, starting in Claude Du Teil’s time and included being President of the IHS board, and then, a few years later, on the board of EPIC ‘Ohana.
Peter has been on EPIC’s board for 20 plus years and has been a steadying, pragmatic, and engaged participant during his entire tenure. From his legal and corporate background, Peter brings an attention to the governance practices of the board, as well as insight and guidance. His philosophy is: board members should be informed, read material in advance, and actively participate in all board meetings. He believes boards of social services agencies should have members from a diversity of professional backgrounds, and sees the board’s role as setting policy and giving advice, when asked by the executive director, but not micromanaging the agency.
Peter has helped guide EPIC’s successful expansion over the years. He sees EPIC as having the talent to recognize when different segments of the foster care process need attention, and the ability to effectively respond to those needs with innovation and skill. From the maturation of ‘Ohana Conferencing, to the development of Youth Circles, Family Finding, Wrap, and the HI H.O.P.E.S. initiative, he has seen EPIC mature into the successful multi-program organization that it is today. A highlight of his tenure, he said, has also been observing the fantastic job Laurie has done as EPIC’s second executive director, successfully following in the footsteps of our great founding executive director, Arlynna.
Peter retired from Hawaiian Electric Industries in 2005. He’s been married for 65 years, has 3 children, and six grandchildren. He loves deep sea fishing, gardening, and contributing to the well-being of Hawaii’s families. His generous participation on EPIC’s board is one way he continues to make a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged. We’re so grateful his secretary spoke up on their behalf, and that Peter listened with both his head and his heart. He has been, and continues to be, a vital and valued member of our EPIC ‘Ohana. His guidance and integrity have directly contributed to our organization’s strong foundation.
