Governor Recognizes Hawai`i's Top "Forty Under 40" Business Leaders
Governor Lingle recognized the energy, contributions and potential of 40 of Hawai`i's best and brightest young businesspeople in the public and private sectors at Pacific Business News' annual Forty Under 40 Awards.
Governor Lingle congratulates Jennifer Pang, president, Pang Communications, after her induction into Pacific Business News' Forty Under 40 Class of 2009.
The Governor noted that the State of Hawai`i needs the same qualities demonstrated by the honorees - leadership, innovation and flexibility - to overcome current economic challenges and secure a strong economic future.
"It's about optimism and hope for the future and those of you who are in a position to make a difference in the state of Hawai`i," said Governor Lingle.
Awardees, who are all under the age of 40, are selected for their leadership in the business community and community service and must be recognized as a leader in their industry, show a consistent "take charge" attitude, demonstrate commitment to the community beyond the requirements of their jobs, and show a high degree of business acumen and savvy business-like approach to efficiency and change.
Forty Under 40 Class of 2009 members:
• William Seiji Aspengren, CFO and owner, Courier Corporation of Hawai`i
• Joy Barua, executive director, Honolulu Community Action Program
• Tanna Dang, co-owner, The Wedding Café
• Ryan Day, executive chef, product development and national sales manager, Palama Meat Co.
• Layla Dedrick, owner and CEO, Bella Pietra
Governor Lingle and Forty Under 40 Class of 2009 member William Seiji Aspengren, CFO and owner, Courier Corporation of Hawai`i.
• Donalyn Dela Cruz, public affairs director, Bishop Museum
• Jon Duarte, president, Jon Duarte Design Group
• Mark Duda, founding partner, Distributed Energy Partners
• Taylor Easley, financial advisor, Easley & Associates
• Liann Y. Ebesugawa, associate, Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP
• David Evans, owner, Evans Construction
• Sean S. Gupton, president and CMO, STL Medical Services LLC
• Elmer Guzman, chef and owner, Poke Stop
• James R. Haid, Jr., director of business relations, Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union
• Jill M. Hasegawa, attorney, Ashford & Wriston, LLP
• Kristi Hirota-Schmidt, vice president of business development, Certified Management Inc.
• Daniel Ho, president, Hawai`i Self Storage
• Scott Kamiya, senior real estate specialist, Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties
• James Kaneshiro, assistant vice president & ATM product manager, First Hawaiian Bank
• Wayne Karo, chief executive officer, Pipeline Micro Inc.
• Alissa Kimura, vice president, AXA Advisors
• Marnie Koga Hursty, president and owner, Mega Construction Inc.
• Linda Kyriannis, human resources manager, Kiewit Building Group
Governor Lingle recognizes Forty Under 40 Class of 2009 member Michelle Shin, director, Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert.
• Karen C. Lee, association vice president for student affairs, University of Hawai`i System
• Josh Levinson, president and CEO, Community Links Hawai`i
• Paul Matsuda, vice president, Gray Hong Nojima & Associates
• Joe B. Miller, vice president and owner, Seal Masters of Hawai`i & AS&D Hawai`i Stone Products
• Sarah Lee Morihara, president and managing director, Colliers Monroe Friedlander
• Leslie Mullens, owner, Playbook Consulting Group
• Jeff Napoleon, director of sales, Mobi PCS
• Jennifer Pang, president, Pang Communications
• Monty K. Pereira, sales and marketing director, Watanabe Floral Inc.
• William C.A. Pieper II, vice president, Bank of Hawai`i
• Kyle K. Sakamoto, vice president, Central Pacific Financial Corp.
• Michelle M. Shin, director, Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert
• Elizabeth Soto, president & CEO, LYZ Inc.
• Christine Su, director of research and education, Communications Pacific
• Toby Tamaye, president, AT Marketing LLC
• Nolan Tokuda, head football coach and teacher, Leilehua High School
• Helen C. Turner, dean, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University
