HCL CEO Jeff Gilbreath honored by PBN: One of ‘Hawai‘i’s Most Admired Leaders’ of 2026 

Jeff Gilbreath, chief executive officer of Hawai‘i Community Lending (HCL), was honored by Pacific Business News (PBN) as one of “Hawai‘i’s Most Admired Leaders” of 2026. Gilbreath and 17 other honorees were celebrated at a gala event on Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Halekulani Hotel on Waikīkī Beach. 

Janis Magin, PBN editor-in-chief, described the prestigious awards as recognizing “Hawai‘i executives who’ve made a lasting impact within their organizations and communities throughout the islands.”

As chief executive officer of Hawai‘i Community Lending, Gilbreath helped transform HCL from a nonprofit mortgage broker established under Hawaiian Community Assets in 2002 into an independent nonprofit native Community Development Financial Institution in 2014. Under his leadership, HCL expanded access to grants and loans for native Hawaiian and local families who often could not qualify for traditional financing, guided by his philosophy: “We don’t say no, we say how.” 

After 18 years of service, Gilbreath announced in August that he is stepping down as CEO of HCL to pursue affordable housing and community development work as an independent consultant. He leaves HCL well-positioned for future growth with expanding capacity to serve an ever-greater number of families on their journey to homeownership. “The foundation is in place for change within the current affordable homeownership system, and I am honored to have helped lay the groundwork for that change,” he said.

Gilbreath paid tribute to leaders in the Native Hawaiian community, saying he is grateful to have learned community development and leadership skills from them. “People like Michelle Ka‘uhane, Alapaki Nahale-a, Puni Kekauoha and Uncle Joe Tassill taught me about the importance of servant leadership, and that it starts with an understanding that those closest to the issue are closest to the solution,” he said. “This has rooted me for the last two decades working in Hawai‘i, and makes it clear my role is to listen, learn and help create opportunities for community to lead on issues, such as affordable housing.”

“The HCL board is proud to celebrate Jeff and the meaningful, lasting impact of his service across our islands. This well-deserved recognition reflects Jeff’s visionary leadership, steadfast commitment to expanding affordable housing and financial opportunity, and deep dedication to Hawaiʻi’s people and communities,” said HCL Board Secretary Kawena Beaupré, senior vice president and general counsel of Hawai‘i Community Foundation.  

Since HCL’s founding in 2002, the organization continues to develop new programs to meet the needs of local people, proving that affordable homeownership is achievable through partnerships that lower barriers.

For more information, please visit www.hawaiicommunitylending.com.