Following a fruit theme for the installation of MEO Board officers, President Ned Davis accepts an apple as “the apple of the board’s eye” from retired Judge Rhonda Loo after taking the oath office. Photo courtesy MEO

Maui Economic Opportunity board member Ned Davis has been installed for a second time as president of the board.

Recognized as MEO’s Volunteer of the Year in 2020, Davis joined the board in 2014 and has taken a strong interest in supporting Head Start preschoolers and their families.

He has represented the board for many years on the Head Start Policy Council, made up of the children’s parents and guardians.

“MEO is fortunate to have Ned serving a second term as Board President,” MEO CEO Debbie Cabebe said. “His deep knowledge, thoughtful leadership, and genuine kindness make him the ideal person to lead and represent MEO’s diverse membership.”

Davis served his first period as president from 2017-20. His current term runs for two years.

Davis represents state Sen. Lynn DeCoite on the tripartite board, which consists of government, business and client/community members.

Davis’ regular job is as senior data scientist with the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii.

He has a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Johns Hopkins University.

Davis, his executive team, and board members took their oaths of office from retired Maui Circuit Judge Rhonda Loo in a ceremony attended by about 30 people, including Mayor Richard Bissen, state Sen. Troy Hashimoto and state Rep. Justin Woodson, a former Head Start parent who was the keynote speaker.

The MEO leadership team includes:

• Caitlin Musson, vice president; attorney with Horovitz Tilley.

• Bard Peterson, secretary; First Hawaiian Bank senior vice president.

• Cliff Alakai, treasurer; Maui Medical Group Administrator.

The new MEO Board officers as well as executives include (from left) CEO Debbie Cabebe, Secretary Bard Peterson, president Ned Davis, presiding officer retired Judge Rhonda Loo, Vice President Caitlin Musson; Treasurer Cliff Alakai and Executive Director Maggie Batangan. Photo courtesy MEO

The board sets policy, manages budgets and oversees executive leadership for the 61-year-old community action agency, which is one of the largest nonprofits in Maui County.

MEO, operating more than 30 programs with a staff of 230 people on three islands, had a budget of $37 million in the 2024-25 fiscal year, touching the lives of more than 54,000 residents.

The nonprofit is part of the National Community Action Partnership, whose goal is to help low-income individuals and families help themselves and transform their lives.

Chartered in 1965, the nonprofit offers more than 40 programs that assist low income people, including kupuna, youths, persons with disabilities, and immigrants countywide.

It runs the Human Services’ specialized transportation program for health and dialysis appointments, after-school and youth sports activities, Head Start preschools, and the Kahi Kamali’i Infant Toddler Center.

It also offers entrepreneurial and financial classes and support, including microloans; inmate reintegration into the community after release; youth drinking, drug, smoking, bullying and suicide prevention; and employment training and placement.

For more information about the entire array of programs, visit meoinc.org or call (808) 249-2990.