After a comprehensive search, the Board of Directors of The Learning Coalition (TLC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alice Luck as Coalition Director of the Hui for Excellence in Education (HEʻE), effective January 1, 2026. 



Alice Luck joins HEʻE with over 12 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit and community development sector, most recently serving as President and CEO at Kauaʻi Planning and Action Alliance. In that role, she led collective impact initiatives through Keiki to Career Kauaʻi, expanded early childhood and family engagement programs, and strengthened partnerships across the island and with state agencies. Her proven record of fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders and her deep commitment to Hawaiʻi’s public education system make her an exceptional fit to lead HEʻE into its next phase. 


The Board extends its heartfelt gratitude to Deborah Bond Upson, who has served with distinction as Interim Director during this period of transition. Her steady leadership, thoughtful guidance, and commitment to collaboration provided continuity and stability as HEʻE prepared for this next chapter. “Deborah’s stewardship has been invaluable to our organization,” said Debbie Berger, TLC Board Chair. “We are deeply appreciative of her dedication and service.” 


Over the coming weeks, Luck will meet with members, partners, and community stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and to continue advancing HEʻE’s mission. “I’m honored to join HEʻE and work alongside such passionate advocates for Hawaiʻi’s students,” said Luck. “Together, we will continue building bridges between families, educators, and communities to strengthen public education for all.” 

Interim Director Deborah Bond-Upson Thoughts and News

I am delighted that Alice Luck will be leading HE‘E, bringing her education and coalition building expertise and stretching HE‘E 's reach with her Kauai and Maui experience and contacts!

It has been a great opportunity for me to work with H‘EE member organizations, individual members, and The Learning Coalition! This opportunity put me into closer communication wtih Hawai‘i DOE and BOE and enriched my understanding of our unique opportunities and challenges here. And I got to work with all of YOU!

As some of you know, though my main focus has been education for the past decades, I am an ordained minister. I begin work as Minister of the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu November 1. I decided to step up for a one year appointment to help my church in response to the urgencies in our social and political world at this time. I will continue as interim director of HE‘E through year end, will continue as President of Parents for Public Schools of Hawai‘i, and am collaborating on a project with TLC. So you will continue to see me in our critical public school work here in Hawai‘i. 

Mahalo nui loa for all of your support! -- Deborah