Leadership Evolution at Hawai‘i Tourism Authority with New Board Members Roy Pfund and Chris West

Saturday, July 13, 2024

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) is delighted to introduce two recent appointments to its Board of Directors, Roy Pfund and Chris West, who participated in their inaugural board meeting today.

Roy Pfund holds the titles of president and CEO at Roberts Hawaiʻi, Inc., and is an active board member there. Boasting over four decades of industry expertise in the realms of tours and transportation, Pfund brings a wealth of knowledge in financial oversight and business operations. His illustrious career features senior roles across various sectors including finance, tours, entertainment, acquisitions, and new product ventures. Pfund is also a valued member of the Hawai‘i Business Roundtable and plays a crucial role in nurturing future leaders as part of the Advisory Board for the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Shidler College of Travel Industry Management.

Chris West currently leads ILWU Local 142 and has been a devoted member for over two decades, showcasing unwavering leadership within the labor union sphere. West’s tenure at ILWU spans 20 years, including significant roles that have shaped the union’s strategic initiatives and operational success. His previous positions include serving eight years on the Executive Board of Unit 4201 and six years as vice chairman of Hawai‘i Stevedores. Renowned for his strategic acumen, West was a key participant in the statewide Longshore negotiations in 2014 and played a pivotal role in the 2018 contract extension talks.

“Roy and Chris are esteemed industry leaders whose presence on our Board of Directors is a tremendous asset as we forge ahead committed to a regenerative tourism model,” said HTA board chair Mufi Hannemann. “Their wealth of expertise and deep commitment to the community will be invaluable as we navigate the future of tourism in Hawai‘i. We look forward to their manaʻo and active participation on the board.”

The terms of the newly appointed members of the HTA board will conclude on June 30, 2028. These new appointees are stepping in for former board members Sherry Menor-McNamara, who had been part of the board since May 2017, and Dylan Ching, who joined in April 2021. Additionally, Sig Zane, another member whose tenure began in April 2021, has finished his service on the board.

“We extend our heartfelt mahalo to board members Menor-McNamara, Ching and Zane for their dedicated service and invaluable contributions,” said Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, HTA’s interim president and CEO. “Their guidance has been instrumental especially through HTA’s critical pivot toward destination management and Maui’s ongoing recovery efforts, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to Hawai‘i’s tourism industry and community.”

The Board of Directors of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) consists of 12 members, all appointed by the Governor of Hawaiʻi. Serving in a volunteer capacity, these board members steer HTA’s initiatives, focusing on the comprehensive management of tourism to enrich the communities across Hawaiʻi.

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