Director: Benson Medina

Benson Medina has served at an executive level in tourism, manufacturing, natural resource development, agricultural tourism and community education. He was previously with Infrastructure Partner for Sustainability Partners, a private sector infrastructure development company. He also serves as the president of Hui ʻOihana, the Hawaiʻi Island Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce and is the District Governor Nominee for Rotary International in Hawaiʻi. He directed the island wide 2022 Access to Care survey that provides critical data for healthcare providers on Hawaiʻi Island and was the principal grant writer and project manager for the Hawaiʻi Ag-Tourism Association. A Hilo resident, he is an active member of Hula Halau O Kawananakoa and speaks frequently on the relationship between Native Hawaiian values and business.

Deputy Director: Dennis W.J. Lin

Dennis W.J. Lin is a native of Hilo, Hawaiʻi, graduate of Waiakea High School and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. He was recently employed as the Community Relations Administrator for HPM Building Supply managing their community outreach and government relations. As an active member in his community, he has served as Vice President and Director of the Kiwanis Club of East Hawaiʻi, former Board Chair of the Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council,  Treasurer for the Waiakea High School Foundation, Treasurer for the Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation East Hawaiʻi Fund Advisory Board member, Kua O Ka La Public Charter School Governing Board member, Treasurer of the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Chair of the Windward Planning Commission and Board Chair of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, College of Business and Economics Advisory Board. Dennis is an active member of the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce as Vice President and Economic Development Chair, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaiʻi.

Private Secretary:  Joelle Hew Len Lee 

Joelle serves as the Private Secretary to Director Benson Medina.  Prior to her current role, she was the Private Secretary to the Managing Director with the Office of the Mayor.

Originally from California, where she worked for the State of California with the Department of Social Services, Senior Care Licensing Program, Joelle enjoyed working with the elderly and eventually became an Administrator for a senior care home specializing for people with psychiatric disorders.  She later had the opportunity to move to Hawaiʻi where she met her future husband Wayne.

Joelle is happily married and resides in Hilo.  Their hobbies include attending comic cons, fishing and collecting classic cars.