Since Amano took the helm in May 2005, she focused on creating a solid organization internally and financially. During her tenure membership and community support have increased, along with the number of programs, exhibitions and partnerships.

"It has been a great privilege to work with a terrific board of directors, an absolutely amazing staff and fabulous volunteers," said the former judge in a press release. "Now that the JCCH is in a very secure position, financially and internally, the organization is prepared and fully equipped for a smooth transition of new leadership that can take the JCCH into the next phase."

The board will immediately begin a search for a new president and executive director to ensure a smooth transition.

Amano served as a judge in the Circuit Court and District Court in Hilo for more than 11 years. Prior to that, she was in private practice specializing in family law and worker's compensation insurance defense. She also previously worked as a deputy attorney general.

Currently, Amano is also an arbitrator and mediator with Dispute Prevention and Resolution Inc., a full service dispute resolution firm. In May 2007, Amano is scheduled to complete her master's degree in law from the school of law at Pepperdine University.

The JCCH is a non-profit organization that strives to share the history, heritage and culture of the evolving Japanese American experience in Hawai'i.

For more information, call 945-7633 or visit http://www.jcch.com.