The following individuals recently launched a business, were appointed to a leadership position or honored for their work in the business community: • Arleen Kuwamura was honored as Hale ‘Opio Kaua‘i Inc.’s “Employee of the Quarter.” Nominated by her peers,
The following individuals recently launched a business, were appointed to a leadership position or honored for their work in the business community:
• Arleen Kuwamura was honored as Hale ‘Opio Kaua‘i Inc.’s “Employee of the Quarter.” Nominated by her peers, Arleen is described as an amazing, positive person with a “can-do” attitude. Co-workers say Kuwamura is very supportive of other staff and is always willing to lend a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on. Kuwamura has worked for Hale ‘Opio for many years.
• Jerry Brocklehurst was named station manager for Kaua‘i Community Radio, effective Oct. 1. Brocklehurst is currently president of the Kaua‘i Music Festival and a board member of the Garden Island Arts Council.
He was selected by KKCR and The Kekahu Foundation.
Brocklehurst will replace current Station Manager Gwen Palagi, who has held the position for most of the past six years.
“Jerry has the right mix of passion, skills and sensitivity to our island community to help lead us into 2009 and beyond,” John Gordon, president of the Kekahu Foundation board, said.
‘Ohana Health Plan, one of two health plans selected by the state Department of Human Services to provide managed care services through the QUEST Expanded Access program, introduced its senior leadership team last week.
• Erhardt Hsiao-Lin Preitauer, a native of Kaua‘i, is ‘Ohana’s executive director and senior leader. Preitauer brings more than 12 years experience and provides leadership and development support for the plan’s operations, processes and provider network relationships.
• James H.T. Tan serves as senior medical director. Tan brings more than 32 years of experience and has practiced on Kaua‘i and O‘ahu.
He is responsible for the performance of the plan’s health services and pharmacy operations. He oversees quality management, care management and health and wellness, as well as the provider network contracting strategy.
• Rida Ching, a lifelong Hawai‘i resident, is the manager of service coordination. Ching brings more than 20 years of health care experience. She is responsible for member service coordination and provides oversight and leadership for members with health plan management.
• Ann M. Chipchase, a lifelong Hawai‘i resident, is responsible for community outreach, marketing, and promotional initiatives. Chipchase has more than 30 years of experience in communications and community relations.
• Carolyn Saiki, a lifelong Hawai‘i resident, serves as the human resources director. She brings more than 19 years of experience and is responsible for leadership and guidance to support associate recruiting, retention and development.
• Gregory Kono, born and raised on O‘ahu, serves as the senior manager of regulatory affairs. Kono, who has more than 10 years of experience, provides oversight and leadership for government and state regulatory affairs.
• Ka’ili Honbo, born and raised in Hawai‘i, is the senior sales manager with more than 15 years experience. Honbo is responsible for sales, marketing and business development efforts.
