Leadership changes at Hakone Estate and Gardens, Computer History Museum and College of Adaptive Arts

"After two departure notes, it’s nice to have an arrival."

Shozo Kagoshima went from knowing all the secrets of the Winchester Mystery House to finding the most beautiful spots at Hakone Estate and Gardens. But after nine years as executive director of the picturesque and historic Japanese garden in Saratoga, Kagoshima has decided its time to move on.

“After spending 48 years in the travel related field, it is time to turn in my keys, and enjoy retirement,” he said. “Ironically, I have only held two professional jobs in my life, and they were both with historical landmarks.”

Kagoshima won’t be departing for several months to give the Hakone board time to find a replacement. Interested? Check it out here.

Another historic resource is also looking for new leadership as Computer History Museum CEO Dan’l Lewin has announced he’s stepping down from the Mountain View institution after six years. Lewin, who came to the Computer History Museum in 2018 after nearly 17 years as an executive with Microsoft, steered the museum through the pandemic period and helped it raise about $75 million during his tenure.

And after two departure notes, it’s nice to have an arrival. In this case, it’s Nicole Kim, who will be taking over as executive director of the College of Adaptive Arts in Saratoga, which is marking its 15th anniversary. A longtime professor at CAA, Kim is currently director of its school of business. She takes over for founder DeAnna Pursai, who isn’t going far: She’ll take on the role as the college’s director of development and community outreach.