Pedro Haro graduated from Lahainaluna High School and the University of Hawaii.

HONOLULU – The American Lung Association has welcomed Pedro Haro as executive director for Hawaii.

He will engage directly with the community and state agencies to guide lung-friendly policies and raise funds to further ALA’s mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.

“We are excited to welcome Pedro to this important position serving the people of Hawaii,” said Allison Hickey, American Lung Association national executive vice president.

“Pedro’s passion for the region, along with his education and experience, will strengthen our work in the area, and his hiring emphasizes the importance of the islands to the American Lung Association.”

A proud alumnus of both Lahainaluna High School and the University of Hawaii Public Health Master’s Program, Haro brings with him more than two decades of service leading statewide programs and campaigns that help improve the quality of life for families throughout Hawaii.

During his career, he has led efforts to pass the Kupuna Caregivers Act, the first-in-the-nation program providing government assistance to working caregivers who care for aging loved ones.

He also headed up communications campaigns for the Hawaii Tobacco Quitline, helping thousands of people in Hawaii quit smoking, and oversaw the launch of Kokua Life at Mental Health America of Hawaii, the first suicide prevention app in the state.

In his new position, Haro will focus on bringing community together around the organization’s core mission: working seamlessly on community building events and programs; directly engaging leaders throughout the state on issues concerning public health, youth smoking and e-cigarette use, and improving air quality; and raising much-needed funds to support all those with lung disease or at risk of lung disease.