Chamber of Commerce Hawaii
Chamber Team
Meet the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii team: Leading the way for Hawaii’s business and economic growth.
Sherry Menor, CCE
President & CEO
Sherry Menor was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii on September 1, 2013. She is the youngest and first female President and CEO in the Chamber’s 174-year history, as well as the first Asian to serve as the leader of a State Chamber in the nation.
She has lived in several major cities, including Tokyo, New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles and London, working for a wide variety of companies, including: Sony Corporation, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Estee Lauder Company, Field Group, Elton John Productions and “60 Minutes”. Her government-related work includes positions with the Hawaii State Legislature, U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka and the Executive Office of the United States President. Menor currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Hawaiian Humane Society. Nationally, she serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) and the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100. She previously served on the boards of the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Girl Scouts of Hawaii, and nationally, on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Council of State Chambers (COSC), and Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE). Under her leadership, the Chamber won the 2018 ACCE State Chamber of the Year, and in 2019, won two national Council of State Chambers awards.
Menor is a 2016 graduate of the Omidyar Fellows Leadership Program, founded by eBay’s Pierre Omidyar. She was inducted into the University of Hawaii Shidler College of Business Hall of Honors, received the Girl Scouts of Hawaii Women of Distinction, and the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii’s Business Executive of the Year. In 2017, she was honored with the Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation Award and, in 2015, was selected to represent the United States in the Korea Foundation’s Program for Distinguished Individuals in Economy. In 2014, Menor was recognized as one of the “Top 10 People to Watch” by Pacific Business News. In 2012, she was named one of the “Top 20 People to Watch” by Hawaii Business magazine. Menor was also inducted as a Laureate into the 2014 Class of the Junior Achievement of Hawaii Hall of Fame. Additionally, in 2014, she was selected and participated in the prestigious Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs leadership program. Menor earned a certificate in “Expanding Impact in Advocacy” from the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education. She received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Hawaii’s William S. Richardson School of Law and her Master of Business Administration from UH’s Shidler College of Business and also pursued graduate study in public administration at the University of Southern California (USC) and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). Menor was born in Tokyo, Japan, and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, where she graduated from Waiakea High School. She is also a certified yoga teacher and enjoys golfing, traveling and spending time with her dogs, Kuma-chan and Bubbles.
Administration & Operations
Kawena Haugh
Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
(808)380-2619
khaugh@cochawaii.org
Kawena Haugh has worked directly with high-net-worth individuals and founders of several multi-billion dollar companies ($1B+) in the Entertainment, Fashion, Music, Sports, Non-Profit and Real Estate Industries in Beverly Hills and the Los Angeles area for 11 years prior to joining the Chamber.
She assisted with the development of a $50M+ non-profit foundation from inception. Kawena moved back to Hawaii in 2023 to become a caregiver to her parents and to support the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. She is affiliated with A-list actor Gary Sinise, musician/entertainer Aubrey “Drake” Graham and father Dennis Graham, the son of Bob Marley entrepreneur Rohan Marley, the Vice Chairman of Mayweather Boxing + Fitness, entrepreneur Kareem “Biggs” Burke (Rocafella Records/Jay-Z), Guess Jeans and The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Kawena has also attended and supported non-profit events hosted by President Barack Obama, A-list actor Clint Eastwood, musician/entertainer Beyoncé, A-list actor Michael B. Jordan and former NBA player Matt Barnes.
Kawena is a member of The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians & Pacific Islanders, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and The Friends of Iolani Palace. Born and raised on Hawaii Island, she is a graduate of the University of Hawaii, BA Communication and Vancouver Film School in Vancouver, Canada. Kawena is also a creative and has previously worked on-set as a Production Make-up Artist for CBS, New York Fashion Week, Estee Lauder Companies & NARS Cosmetics in the United States, Canada and Europe. She also worked as red carpet support for TV show Hawaii Five-O, The Grammy Awards and various Hollywood events. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her ‘ohana and traveling internationally.
Tyler Spruill
Manager, Accounting & Operations
(808)380-2617
tspruill@cochawaii.org
Tyler is the Manager of Accounting and Operations at the Chamber. She handles incoming payments and manages internal operations. Her main focus is supporting the team and functions of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.
Tyler grew up in Salt Lake and graduated from Moanalua High School. She then received her bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Hawaii at Manoa Shidler College of Business. During her time in school, she interned at Kamehameha Schools in their operations department. Once graduated, Tyler worked at Island Insurance company for several years helping local people with their insurance needs. She has a passion for working with companies and organizations that care about Hawaii’s needs and give back to the people and community.
During her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and drawing. She also spends ample time finding new places to eat around the island and sharing a meal with her friends. Her goal in life is to travel to as many different places as possible.
Economic Development, Government & Community Relations
Milikaleakona “Tonga” Hopoi
Vice President, Economic Development, Government and Community Relations
(808)380-2605
thopoi@cochawaii.org
Tonga began her career in public policy as a White House policy intern in the Office of the First Lady Mrs. Michelle Obama working on initiatives such as “Reach Higher” and “Let Girls Learn”. Beyond her work in the Office of the First Lady, Tonga was the first Tongan to hold a position in the White House and is recognized in the White House Records.
In 2015, Tonga received a political appointment in the Department of Energy (DOE) as a Special Assistant to the Deputy Chiefs of Staff in the Office of the Secretary and 2016, while at DOE, Tonga served as Special Advisor to the Under Secretary of Science and Energy. In January of 2017, Tonga received the Energy Secretary’s Appreciation Award in recognition of her achievements and professional contribution to the Department.
In August of 2017, Tonga moved to Hawai’i and served as Committee Clerk for the Chair of the Senate Committee(s) on Transportation and Energy, and in 2018, she served as the Chief of Staff for the Senate Majority Leader in the Hawai’i State Senate. In 2019, Tonga presented workshops on parliamentary practice, and legislative procedure at the United Nations Development Program Regional Conference on Parliamentary Oversight in Auckland, New Zealand. In 2021, Tonga was selected in the Oregon State University (OSU) Orange & Black Awards for the Don & Shirley Young Alumni Award. In February of 2022, she organized the Senate’s donation and relief efforts for the Kingdom of Tonga after the catastrophic flooding from the eruption of a nearby underground volcano. After Tonga’s tenure in the Hawai’i State Senate, she worked at the Honolulu City Council and Kamehameha Schools.
Tonga resides in Village Park, HI, as the Vice President of Economic Development, Government & Community Relations at the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading current events, working in her hānai mom’s garden, hiking and writing stories to empower the Pan-Pacific community.
Tonga was raised with her two sisters by her mother and late stepfather in Portland, OR. She studied Philosophy and English at OSU and served as OSU Student Body Madam President 2011-2012.
Nadia Holt
Manager, Government Affairs & Business Advocacy
(808)380-2608
nholt@cochawaii.org
Nadia Holt is an experienced cross-cultural communicator with a strong background in policy analysis, diplomacy, and legislative advocacy. In her current role as Manager of Government Affairs & Business Advocacy at the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Nadia represents and advocates for the Voice of Business across the state.
Her extensive experience in legislative operations includes roles in both the Hawaii State Senate and House of Representatives, where she worked as a Legislative Committee Clerk for the Senate Committee on Higher Education and as a Legislative Aide for the House Committee on Labor & Public Employment.
Nadia also brings international experience to her role, having worked as an English teacher and Social Event and Volunteer Coordinator in Tokyo, Japan. She further developed her global policy expertise through her internship with the U.S. Department of State, where she supported programming for 33 Embassies and Consulates under the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (EAP).
She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Psychology, along with certificates in International Politics, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Japanese Studies, and Chinese Studies. Her diverse background also includes roles in behavioral health and developmental services, such as working as a Registered Behavioral Technician at Hawaii Behavioral Health and a Service Supervisor for the Developmental Disabilities Division at the Department of Health.
Nadia is passionate about leveraging her skills and experience in advocacy and cultural diplomacy to improve the quality of life in Hawaii for years to come.
Education & Workforce Development
Keala Peters
Executive Vice President, Education & Workforce Development and Executive Director, Sector Partnerships
(808)380-2612
kpeters@cochawaii.org
As Executive Vice President of Education & Workforce Development and Executive Director of Sector Partnerships, Keala Peters is responsible for the Chamber’s education-related strategic initiatives that help bridge business with education in support of a strong talent pipeline for Hawaii.
Through Sector Partnerships, Keala helps to convene industry executives and solve for Hawaii’s complex workforce development and economic development issues. Keala and her team also support the strategic efforts of Hawaii’s educators by coordinating high quality work-based learning opportunities that prepare students for college and career readiness in an innovation economy.
Keala has extensive experience as a community builder, collaborator and communications executive in both the private and non-profit sectors on the mainland and here at home in Hawaii. She brings her experience at Nike, Inc., Microsoft, Hawaii Pacific Health and The Queen’s Health System to the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.
As a Native Hawaiian woman born and raised in Honolulu, Keala is a strong advocate for Hawaii families and believes that everyone should have access to a high quality education and that education is the foundation for success.
Vanessa Rogers
Vice President, Workforce Development
(808)380-0116
vrogers@cochawaii.org
As Vice President of Workforce Development, Vanessa Rogers is responsible for increasing the local talent pipeline by connecting Hawaii employers to qualified jobseekers. Through her work managing talent pipelines and supporting Sector Partnerships, she plays a key role in preparing and connecting Hawaii’s residents to in demand, family sustaining careers allowing kamaaina to thrive in Hawaii.
Driven by a passion for educational equity and professional development, Vanessa has spent her career in educational leadership, program management, staffing, and workforce development consultancy. Prior to joining the Chamber, Vanessa spent nearly a decade working at a national workforce development non-profit, Year Up, where she held positions as a Business Communications Instructor, Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Academics.
Vanessa grew up in Seattle, Washington and received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Oregon. She loves adventure and travel and spent a few years teaching English abroad in the Czech Republic and Japan before landing in New York City where she worked professionally for 10 years. In 2020, she decided to relocate her family to Hawaii and make this their home.
She currently lives in Mililani and loves to spend time outside with her three little boys.
McKenna Dale
Manager, Workforce Development
(808)380-2606
mdale@cochawaii.org
As the Workforce Development Manager, McKenna is responsible for supporting local job seekers find meaningful employment and on the job training in emerging industries. In her role supporting sector partnerships and grant partner programming, McKenna promotes opportunities and successes to job seekers and stakeholders through Hawaii is Hiring media channels.
McKenna grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and earned her bachelor’s degree in Global Studies with a focus on Human Rights from the University of Minnesota. She came to Hawaii in 2021 with Teach for America, spending two years teaching 9th grade special education at James Campbell High School. She earned her master’s in Education; Instructional Leadership at Chaminade University. McKenna is dedicated to public service and dismantling barriers of access to high quality education and employment; especially, for those in underrepresented communities. She is eager to contribute to the expansion of local industry and employment opportunities for Kama’aina to the ends of developing a more equitable and diversified economy for Hawaii.
McKenna studied abroad in Brazil after high school and is passionate about travel and intercultural education. In her free time, she loves surfing, running, and sewing.
Lord Ryan Lizardo
Vice President, Education
(808)380-2607
lrlizardo@cochawaii.org
As the Vice President of Education, Lord Ryan Lizardo is responsible for connecting schools and businesses together for seamless workforce development opportunities for Hawaii’s youth. As a work-based learning intermediary, Lord Ryan creates access to partnerships, resources, internship opportunities and connections between employers and education, while also acting as a strategic partner with key partners such as the Department of Education and Hawaii P20.
His goal is to build equitable opportunities and access for students for their own personal and professional growth and growing Hawaii’s future workforce.
Lord Ryan grew up in Ewa Beach and earned his undergraduate degree in Integrated Educational Studies at Chapman University and a his master’s degree in Secondary Education at Johns Hopkins University. He brings to the Chamber over six years of experience as a teacher along with four years of experience working with Teach for America coaching teachers in diversity, equity and inclusion and culturally relevant instruction, He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Hawaii LGBTQ+ Legacy Foundation and Chairs other school related boards/councils. Lord Ryan hopes to bring his wealth of knowledge to advocate for Hawaii’s youth.
Catch Lord Ryan with his consistent joy for laughter and spending quality time with folks he loves.
Sophia Wibholm
Manager, Education
(808)380-2615
swibholm@cochawaii.org
As the Education Manager, Sophia is responsible for working in partnership with the Chamber’s Vice President of Education in support of career awareness, exploration, preparation, and training for students at select Hawaii Department of Education schools. These WBL engagements include but are not limited to guest speakers, field trips, industry-specific mock job interviews, capstone judges, job shadows, internships, certifications, educator externships and more.
Sophia grew up on a farm in north central Iowa. She earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education from Iowa State University. Sophia joined Teach for America Hawaii in 2018 and was placed at Maili Elementary in Waianae, where she taught third grade for four years. Sophia is passionate about all students receiving an excellent education, despite their zip code. She is excited to help students pave a way towards a bright future with work-based learning opportunities.
Sophia earned her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Biblical Studies from Colorado Christian University. In her free time she enjoys any outdoor activity, reading, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Membership, Events & Marketing
Tricia Fetui
Senior Vice President, Business Development & Events and Executive Director, Young Professionals Program
(808)380-2611
tfetui@cochawaii.org
Tricia Fetui is Senior Vice President of Business Development & Events at the Chamber, and Executive Director of the Young Professionals Program. In her role, Fetui oversees the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s membership department, marketing, events and programs, along with the YP Program.
She previously worked at the Aloha Council Boy Scouts Hawaii, Guam and American Samoa, March of Dimes Hawaii, The Queen’s Health Systems, The Madden Corporation and Central Pacific Bank.
In 2023 she was recognized as PBN Women Who Mean Business honoree.
She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Domestic Violence Action Network and is on the ACCE Events Advisory Council.
Fetui received her BS in Business Administration and Management from Hope International University in Fullerton, CA, where she played women’s collegiate volleyball.
Chris Simpson
Director, Membership & Business Development
(808)380-2613
csimpson@cochawaii.org
As Director Membership & Business Development, Chris Simpson is dedicated to identifying and cultivating new opportunities that drive growth and strengthen client relationships. He works to build strategic partnerships and enhance lead generation, all while shaping the Chamber’s long-term objectives.
Chris grew up in Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii, where he attended Hawaii Preparatory Academy. An accomplished athlete, he played volleyball, basketball, and baseball before moving to Oahu to pursue his education at the University of Hawaii. Although he was close to signing with the Atlanta Braves, Chris chose to enter the workforce instead.
Today, he enjoys spending quality time with his two sons, Sage and River. In his leisure time, Chris is passionate about golf and values the moments spent on the course.
Ruvi Sirmans
Manager, Programs & Events
(808)380-2432
rsirmans@cochawaii.org
Ruvi serves as the Programs and Event Manager, where she is pivotal in planning, executing, and overseeing a wide array of programs and over 60 events each year. Her responsibilities include ensuring that these events run smoothly, efficiently, and successfully, all while meeting the goals and expectations of clients and stakeholders.
Originally from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Ruvi earned a degree in Biology and was commissioned into the US Army through Florida State University. She moved to Hawaii in 2020, where she served as a Signal Officer and Victim Advocate at Wheeler Army Airfield. She looks forward to connecting with professionals across various industries and creating unforgettable events for all attendees.
In her free time, Ruvi enjoys hiking, indoor climbing, and listening to live music.
Marisa Escalante
Director, Events & Special Projects
(808)380-2610
mescalante@cochawaii.org
Marisa Escalante is the Events & Special Projects Director at the Chamber. In her role Marisa assists with the planning and coordination of the Chamber’s activities along with assisting with the content and graphic creation for digital marketing and social media.
Marisa previously worked for Inception Design as an Account Manager and Raynor Hawaii Overhead Doors and Gates Inc. as a Marketing Intern.
Marisa is a recent college graduate, receiving her BBA in Marketing & International Business and MS in Marketing Management from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Shidler College of Business. She is inspired by good works, passion and the ability to grow from any situation.
Kaya Ishimine
Manager, Marketing & Young Professionals Program
(808)380-2368
kishimine@cochawaii.org
Kaya Ishimine is the Manager of Marketing and the Young Professionals Program. In her role, Kaya is responsible for all Chamber and YP digital marketing channels including email newsletters, website, podcast and social media.
Military Affairs Council
Jason Chung
Vice President, Military Affairs
jchung@cochawaii.org
Jason Chung is the Vice President for the Military Affairs Council (MAC), Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii and co-chair for the Hawaii Defense Alliance (HDA) and the Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative (P3I). Jason is also the President of a consulting company supporting the defense sector and capabilities integration.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Jason graduated from the Kamehameha Schools and then attend the University of Hawaii. Upon graduation, Jason served in the US Army as an intelligence officer for 36 years. He holds an MBA from Baker University and is a senior fellow from the CIA, and holds an executive certificate of data science from John Hopkins.
During his 36-year career in the military, Jason lived across the continental US and served two tours in Hawaii and the republic of South Korea. He has multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Upon retirement from the military, Jason served as a Vice President for a Silicon Valley technology company supporting the commercial and public sector.
As the co-chair for the HI Defense Alliance (HDA) and the Pacific Intelligence Initiative (P3I) Jason works to expand opportunities for local business with federal contracts and build opportunities and pathways for local people to work in the growing industry of information technology, cyber-security, data science, and intelligence in support to the federal government.
Jason is married to Christine Nelson-Chung, a retired U.S. Army Public Affairs Officer. They have one son, Jacob, who is attending Augusta University. Jason enjoys the outdoors, surfing, foiling, diving, fishing, golfing, and running.
