Executive Director’s Corner | Spring 2020

There is so much to be proud of in my first year as Executive Director. We have accomplished so much, but I’m especially proud of our growing team.

Audrey Blair has come aboard as Public Programs Manager whose biggest responsibility is the care of the Kona Coffee Living History Farm. Julie Kamiyama also joins us as Collections Manager to tend our priceless collections. We’re excited to see where their leadership takes us.

In addition, Meagan O’Shea joins us as Operations and Fundraising Assistant, where she is caring for our ‘ohana of members. Julia Espaniola is up and running as Museums Program Staff. She is helping us grow our ‘āina-based educational content.

I admire the strengths of all my colleagues who play a critical role in the future of this organization. These people are responsible for the care of our community’s precious memories. That’s why I’m committed to strengthening and growing our talented staff.

I, myself, have lots of growing to do. The photo of me above was taken in Kona a few years before I became Executive Director (kidding). I’ve grown so much since then! The Kona I remember from my hanabata days is spectacular: the morning chill up mauka; learning to haku lei; heading makai in a Jeep with my cousins for a family fishing trip; my first catch: menpachi! Family. Salt water. Food.

There is still so much growing in store for me. I’m looking forward to growing with Kona Historical Society as I now start my second year at the helm.

Me ka mahalo nui,
Dance Aoki