BOARD OF DIRECTORS, TREASURER

Stan was born in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, and has called Aiea, Oʻahu home for 40 years. He is a lifetime surfer, who spent his early years as a competitive surfer blessed to call legends like Ben Aipa his coach and mentor, which translated to his love and understanding of the ocean and Hawaiʻi's beaches and breaks. Stan was also influenced in his early adult years by his dedication to hula and halau life, which integrated his love for the ocean with Hawaiian culture, values, language, and an understanding of aloha 'aina to instill a sense of kuleana to generations past, present, and future. Stan is currently a Fire Captain in the Honolulu Fire Department and has BA in Economics from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and was the founder and owner of a successful freight forwarding company for 17 years (1997 -2014).

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SECRETARY

Michelle is a freelance writer and instructor of writing and literature. She has worked in curriculum development for public primary schools and university-level courses. As both a writer and an editor, she has worked in technical writing, creative writing, and grant writing. Her interdisciplinary graduate work in American Studies focused on race and ethnicity in American literature and culture. Michelle is particularly interested in the intersections of culture and science that relate to the Hawaiian coast as experienced by both locals and mainlanders. An avid scuba diver, she is committed to advocating for the coral reefs.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AT LARGE

Matt currently works for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the Damage Assessment Remediation and Restoration division in Hawaiʻi. He received his PhD in Marine Science from the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa and his B.S. from University of California Los Angeles. He has now worked for almost 20 years in the field of environmental management and conservation, with both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Hawaiʻi's Department of Land and Natural Resources. He has published numerous scientific papers and presented his work globally.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AT LARGE

Sweetie provides executive leadership for Ko Olina, overseeing the design and implementation of marketing, communications and event programs for the 642-acre oceanfront resort. She works closely with Ko Olinaʻs hotels, vacation ownership properties and amenities to drive destination and travel market recognition and growth. Sweetie has over 30 years of public relations and marketing experience representing Hawai‘i, U.S. and global resort, real estate, hotel, golf and retail clients. She is currently a member of the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau Board of Directors, chair of the O‘ahu Visitors Bureau Advisory Board and a member of the Waikiki Surf Club Board of Directors.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AT LARGE

Duane DeSoto was raised on the west side of O’ahu at Mākaha beach surrounded by the best waterman in the world. He has traveled around the world for the last 21 years competing in contests and photo shoots in extravagant international locations. His love for the ocean and appreciation of the waterman lifestyle is what drives him. His dream of giving back to his community came to fruition with the establishment of Nā Kama Kai. Duaneʻs passion for the ocean continues to sustain his lifestyle and allows him to engage in community building through Nā Kama Kaiʻs programs; using the ocean to empower our youth.