Hawaii Tourism Authority welcomes new Board members Roy Fund and Chris West, who bring extensive experience in the tour, transportation and labor union sectors to the Authority’s regenerative tourism mission.
HONOLULU – The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) announced two new appointments to its board of directors, which met for the first time today: Roy Fund, president and CEO of Roberts Hawaii, Inc., and Chris West, president of ILWU Local 142.
Roy Fund is President and CEO of Roberts Hawaii, Inc. and serves on the company’s board of directors. With over 40 years of experience in the tour and transportation industry, Mr. Fund has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in financial and operational management. His extensive career includes a variety of management positions in accounting, finance, tour and transportation services, entertainment operations, acquisitions and product development. Mr. Fund is a member of the Hawaii Business Roundtable. Additionally, he helps develop the next generation of travel industry leaders through his role on the Shidler College Travel Industry Management Advisory Council at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Chris West is the President of ILWU Local 142 and has demonstrated steadfast commitment and leadership within the labor union community as a dedicated member for 23 years. For the past 20 years, he has served as an elected official for the ILWU and contributed significantly to the operations and strategic direction of the union. West’s leadership roles include eight years on the Executive Committee of Unit 4201 and six years as Vice President of Hawaii SteveDoors. His expertise and dedication have been vital in key negotiations, and he was one of seven members of the 2014 Statewide Longshoremen Negotiating Committee and served on the 2018 Contract Extension Committee.
“Roy and Chris are respected industry leaders and their presence on the Board will be a great asset as we move forward with our focus on a regenerative tourism model,” said HTA Chairman Mufi Hanneman. “Their extensive expertise and deep commitment to our community will be invaluable as we shape the future of tourism in Hawai’i. We look forward to their leadership and active participation on the Board.”
The new HTA board members’ terms will expire on June 30, 2028. They will succeed outgoing board members Shelley Menor McNamara, who served on the board since May 2017, and Dylan Chin, who served on the board since April 2021. Sig Zane, who has served on the board since April 2021, has also completed his term as a board member.
“We salute Board members Menah McNamara, Chin and Zane for their dedicated service and immeasurable contributions,” said HTA Interim President and CEO Daniel Naho’opii. “Their guidance has been invaluable, especially during HTA’s important transition to destination management and Maui’s ongoing recovery efforts, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions to Hawai’i’s tourism industry and community.”
The HTA Board of Directors is a 12-member policy-making body appointed by the Governor of Hawaii. Board members serve as volunteers and guide HTA’s work in managing the overall tourism industry for the benefit of the Hawaiian community.
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