The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i has appointed Lenny Yajima Andrew as its new president and executive director.

Andrew succeeds Riki May Amano, who announced her retirement in November.

"Lenny Andrew's enthusiastic vision and experience working with volunteer organizations and knowledge of Japanese culture will take the JCCH into the next phase of growth," said Dean Hirata, chairman of the JCCH board of directors, in a written statement. "The board unanimously selected her to ensure a continued level of programs, events and presence in our community."

Working in the pharmaceutical industry in Honolulu for the past 17 years, the Punahou graduate was most recently an executive neurology specialist with Merck U.S. Human Health.

Andrew has a bachelor's degree in economics and Japanese studies from Harvard University.

"I am very excited and honored to be selected as the president and executive director at such a robust stage in the JCCH's development," said Andrew.

Andrew served as the general chairman for the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce's 40th Cherry Blossom Festival, and is currently the fundraising chair at Hanahau'oli School.

For more information, call 945-7633, e-mail info@jcch.com or go to www.jcch.com.