Business Leaders On The Move In Hawaii

November 16, 2011
By Chris Fleck

Karen L.S. Nakaoka has joined Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association as director of member relations and operations. Nakaoka was a flight attendant with Aloha Airlines for 22 years. She was an officer with the master executive council of the Association of Flight Attendants-Hawaii Chapter, the labor union for flight attendants. Most recently she served as a substance abuse counselor at Hina Mauka and receptionist for the governor’s office.

Brooke Wilson has joined SKAI Ventures as director of corporate communications. Wilson will lead the communications and public relations activities for SKAI Ventures and its portfolio companies. Wilson has more than 10 years of experience in sales, account management and executing highprofile communications plans. Prior to joining SKAI, she served as an account supervisor in the Public Affairs Division of McNeil Wilson Communications.

David Trifonovitch has joined Hoku Corporation as a solar sales associate. In this new role, he focuses on the commercial and industrial solar market segment. Trifonovitch brings more than 20 years of sales experience to Hoku. Previously he was employed as sales manager at ESPN Honolulu and served as the director of sales for travel wholesaler, Rendezvous Tours. He has a degree in business administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Suzanne Jones has been selected as one of 2011 Outstanding Women Leader Awardees presented by The Organization of Women Leaders (OWL). Jones (public sector honoree) is the recycling branch chief for the City & County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services. She has been at the helm of Oahu’s recycling efforts since the program’s inception in 1989. She was recently recognized for her environmental leadership with the Keep the Hawaiian Islands Beautiful 2011 Mayors’ Laulima Award.