Capsun M. Poe is the Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi State Board of Education, a position he has held since his appointment in September 2023. In this role, he leads the Board’s policy and research initiatives, oversees the agency’s daily operations, and serves as a primary liaison to the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, Hawaiʻi State Public Library System, State Public Charter School Commission, Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board, and the School Facilities Authority.

With more than 20 years of experience in advocacy, public policy, government affairs, and education, Poe brings extensive expertise to his role. He is committed to advancing educational equity and advocating for policies that support Hawaiʻi’s students. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively and collaboratively with elected and appointed officials at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as with advocates and stakeholders, to promote achievement, representation, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Before his appointment, Poe served as Chief Advocate at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), where he led initiatives addressing issues impacting Native Hawaiians and the broader community. He previously served as Branch Administrator and Legislative Coordinator at the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, where he played a key role in policy development and legislative advocacy.

Poe’s leadership is grounded in a commitment to transparent policymaking, effective oversight, and community collaboration aimed at strengthening Hawaiʻi’s public education system. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he also served as the student regent on the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents.

Email: capsun.poe@boe.hawaii.gov

Back to Top

This website was redesigned in summer 2024 through the instrumental efforts of summer interns Josh Chase and Rayden Aoki.