Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii president to retire after 23 years

Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii’s President Jerri Chong will be retiring after 23 years at the helm of the nonprofit, the organization recently announced. Her last day in the role will be Dec. 31. Chong has joined the Executive Search Committee and will work closely with the RMHC Hawaii Board of Directors to find a successor for the organization.

“The past two decades at RMHC have been an incredible journey for me and a cherished part of my life. But this is an opportunity to make time with family and friends my main priority,” she told Pacific Business News in an email. “Being at the Ronald McDonald House has taught me that time is very precious, and Covid and the devastating Lahaina fires made me understand that tomorrow is so much sooner than we all think. It’s time — the right time — to move on to my next chapter.”

Chong added, “The organization is poised for continued growth and success, with robust outreach and family support programs, loyal donors and community partners, and an experienced and engaged board of directors and staff, all with an unshakeable focus on mission delivery.”

Under her leadership, Chong has spearheaded the organization’s growth, increasing donor funding and community partnerships, opening a second house on Oahu in 2006, and overseeing a major renovation through the Covid–19 pandemic of the family recreation center at Judd Hillside.

Most recently, RMHC Hawaii launched its first mobile Hospitality Cart for keiki and families at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center. A second cart will service Kapiolani Hospital come October.

According to the announcement, nearly 15,000 families have spent 140,000 nights at RMHC Hawaii, and more than 150,000 people have been helped by its family programs and services. The organization has not denied any family a stay to date.

“I’ve spent 23 wonderful years at the Ronald McDonald House, taking care of other people’s families during their greatest time of need. I was honored to be able to do that,” Chong told PBN. “Now, it’s time to take care of my own family — my mom in her golden years, and a brand–new grandbaby during his first, most formative year. It’s a precious gift I can’t believe I’m being given.”

Chong reflected on what she has learned as a leader in this role, what legacy she hopes to leave behind and more.

What prompted this decision for you?

Retirement has always been a moving target for me. I’ve always been excited about new challenges and opportunities — and there have been many — at RMHC. I’ve never been regretful about my choices, and never wavered in my belief that I’m in the right place, at the right time, doing exactly what I was meant to do. Then earlier this year, my family went through a lot of health changes, and I knew it was time to step back and reassess where I am right now.

What have you learned as a leader over the years?

My first boss, at my first job right out of college, told me: “Success is not defined by how people feel about you or the great things you’ve done. It’s measured by how you make others feel about themselves and the great things they’re capable of doing.” This was true 40 years ago and remains the hallmark of my leadership experience today. I’ve also learned that you can’t change anyone to be a better employee or better person. You can only inspire people to choose to change on their own. Because leadership is not about you. It’s about those you lead. It’s about bringing out the best in others.

What is your most treasured memory from your time with RMHC Hawaii? What are you going to miss the most?

It’s never been about the big events or benchmark celebrations — not even opening a new house or launching a new program. It’s the small, precious moments that just break me or send me soaring every time. Like Ikaika, a 15–year–old teen from Maui, undergoing treatment for late–stage cancer but so excited about the possibility of going to prom. And his greatest, biggest wish was just to have his hair and eyebrows grow back in time. I would have given an arm for him to have his wish.

I’m going to miss the experience and joy of just being at the Ronald McDonald House. The families, the children, the people and atmosphere move and inspire me every day. Seeing the families at the House just being at their very best, while going through their very worst. That kind of strength and resiliency, the power of the human spirit, leaves me humbled and in awe. I go home every night feeling blessed and grateful for all of life’s gifts.

What is the legacy you hope to leave behind?

I hope the legacy I leave behind is a footprint, a clean and clear impression that others can step into, reshape and mold into what fits them best, then continue moving forward, leaving new imprints and impressions. Change is good. Growth is good. The goal is to always strive to do better, be better, bring about positive change. It’s a legacy that can take on new life with each succeeding generation.

— Pacific Business News