Just in time for our August newsletter, we got word that the new HTA Board had been decided, approximately 6 weeks after the previous board resigned at the request of Governor Green. The new board consists of:
- Kimberly Agas – General Manager, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
- Leah Belmonte – Director of Human Resources, Mahi Pono LLC
- Mericia Elmore – Executive Director, SAG-AFTRA Hawaii local
- Terry Fischer – President and Owner, Polynesian Adventure Tours
- Joel Guy – Executive Director, The Hanalei Initiative
- Troy Lazaro – Kumu Hula and Cultural Steward
- James McCully – Orchid Breeder at Mauna Kea Orchids
- Danny Ojiri – Vice President, Outrigger Hospitality Group
- Lisa Paulson – CEO, Maui Food Bank
- Lanai Tabura – TV host, Radio Personality, Actor, Comedian, Cultural Advocate, and Community Organizer
- Christian West – President, ILWU Local 142
- Linda Wong – President and Chief Operating Officer, World of Aloha.
Kim, James, Lisa, and Christian have all been reappointed to the board.
Somewhat unrelated note: I couldn’t find LinkedIn profiles for a couple of the board members. It always surprises me when businesspeople don’t have one. It’s such a useful tool for staying visible and connected.
The new board is purely advisory, with no real power beyond recommending a permanent CEO, hopefully job one. I’ve served on advisory boards, and they can be incredibly useful for outside perspective and counsel. They can also be pure formality. We’ll see how this one goes. At this point, if we get a permanent CEO before the end of the year, I’ll consider it a Christmas miracle and owe someone a plate lunch.
