Leadership Seminar Series: Walter Thoemmes

A complimentary lunch is included for in-person attendees. Guests commuting from off-campus can refer to our Visitor Parking page for parking information.

Walter F. Thoemmes III is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Honolulu, a role he assumed in March 2026 following a national search and a lifelong connection to the organization that began as a youth participant, Junior Leader, and swim instructor at the Kalihi YMCA. Prior to leading the YMCA, Thoemmes spent 31 years in operational and strategic leadership at Kamehameha Schools, most recently serving as Managing Director of Planning, Development, and Commercial Real Estate, where he oversaw a $6.08 billion portfolio and major community developments including SALT at Our Kakaʻako and the Flats at Puʻunui. His earlier roles at Kamehameha Schools included Chief of Staff and Director of Facilities Development & Support—where he helped lead the $450 million development of the Maui and Hawaiʻi Island campuses—after beginning his career as an architect with Kimura/Ybl & Associates on projects such as Kauhale Kakaʻako and the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall expansion. Active in Hawaiʻi civic leadership, Thoemmes also serves as Board Chair of the Aloha Stadium Authority, overseeing the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District in Hālawa, and sits on the board of the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE).