Jesse K. Souki

Title: Deputy Superintendent of Operations
Job site: HIDOE state office
Years in the HIDOE: < 1 year
Years in the position: < 1 year

Jesse Souki was appointed in Aug. 2025 as deputy superintendent for operations, a senior leadership role that oversees major infrastructure, facilities and support services. Souki brings two decades of leadership experience across public agencies and institutions, including as executive director and CEO of the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority, first deputy director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and director of the state Office of Planning. He most recently served as associate general counsel at the University of Hawaiʻi system, where he advised on complex land use, real property and governance issues.

Q: Briefly describe your career path.
A: I attended and graduated from Hawai‘i public schools, which makes serving in this role especially meaningful. I began my career in public service working in the U.S. Senate on transportation and small business issues. After law school, I practiced land use and environmental law in both government and private practice. I later served in executive leadership roles with the Hawai‘i Office of Planning, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Honolulu rail project, and the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority. Most recently, I served as associate general counsel for the University of Hawai‘i System, advising on land use and public asset management. Throughout my career, I have focused on infrastructure, public lands and responsible development.

Q: How did you get into this field?
A: Growing up in Hawai‘i and attending public schools here gave me a strong appreciation for public institutions and the role they play in shaping opportunity. I was drawn to work at the intersection of law, policy and community impact, and maintained one of the first legal blogs on that topic. Over time, that interest evolved into leadership roles focused on infrastructure and large public systems.

Q: What are your primary duties?
A: As deputy superintendent of operations, I oversee facilities, campus operations and information technology services across the Department. This includes capital improvement projects, repairs and maintenance, transportation support, food services coordination, sustainability initiatives, and cybersecurity. My role is to ensure that our schools operate safely, efficiently and reliably so educators and students can focus on teaching and learning.

Q: Most challenging part about your position?
A: Balancing immediate operational needs with long-term planning. Many of our facilities are more than 50 years old, and we must prioritize carefully to address deferred maintenance while investing strategically in modernization and resilience. The scale of the system requires disciplined decision-making and collaboration.

Q: How does your job support students?
A: I am also a parent of a public school student, so I understand this work from both a professional and personal perspective. Students learn best in safe, well-maintained and properly supported schools. By ensuring that facilities are functional, buses operate safely, food services run effectively, and technology systems are secure and reliable, we create the foundation for student success. Operational excellence supports educational excellence.

Q: Favorite part about the job?
A: The teamwork. No one accomplishes this work alone. I am fortunate to work with a highly dedicated team across facilities, operations and technology who genuinely care about the students, staff and communities we serve. Seeing that collective commitment in action is the most rewarding part of the job.

Q: What advice do you have for people considering this position?
A: Develop strong analytical and communication skills, and learn how to work effectively in teams. This role requires collaboration across branches, agencies, school leaders, legislators and community partners. You need to be comfortable making decisions with incomplete information, prioritizing limited resources and balancing short-term needs with long-term strategy. A genuine passion for public service is essential. That sense of purpose helps sustain you through challenging and difficult periods and keeps the focus on the students and communities we serve.

Q: Fun fact about yourself?
A: I am an Eagle Scout and enjoy hiking and running. I have completed several marathons, and training for them has taught me discipline, endurance and the importance of steady progress—lessons that also apply to public service leadership.