Each year the distinguished SPOY alumni join together to induct the newest honoree.
Past recipients reflect the best of Honolulu and have each contributed
in unique ways to promote and improve our community.

Aunty Cha

2021 Salesperson of the Year: Charlene “Cha” Thompson

Charlene “Cha” Thompson,  has been a leader at the forefront of the visitor industry in Hawaii, with Hawaiian and Polynesian Entertainment, as well as throughout the Pacific and Asia,  for over 50 years. Alongside her husband Jack “Tihati” Thompson, they became founders of Tihati Productions.

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Tihati Productions has grown to be the largest entertainment company of the Hawaiian Islands, producing luau shows both internationally and at dozens of a Hawaii’s leading resorts and hotels, spanning over four major Hawaiian islands, and have also performed for the White House. Bringing Hawaiian and Polynesian entertainment, with Aloha to the world, one of Cha’s most memorable experiences was in Thailand where she spent 6 years even throughout their civil war. Her husband Jack Thompson, (Papali’itele Tihati Jack Thompson) a relative of His Majesty King of Tonga, Tupou Taufaahau the 4th, always had Tihati Productions (or Cha only?) perform for him and his court whenever they were in Tonga or when the King visited Hawaii. Additionally, they were in the service of Head of State of Independent Samoa, His Royal Highness Malietoa Tanumafili 2nd, while also providing Polynesian entertainment throughout his travels.

Honoring Mufi Hannemann

2019 Salesperson of the Year: Mufi Hannemann

Hannemann, who is Honolulu-born and of Samoan / German/ English ancestry, has served the community of Hawaii in various influential roles and organizations in the public and private sectors and non-profit world. He was elected mayor of the City and County of Honolulu in 2004 and was re-elected to a second term in 2008.

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 In his role as CEO and President of Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association, the state’s largest private sector tourism organization, Hannemann has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in advocating and promoting the state’s number one industry. Recognized as one of the tourist industry’s top leaders and advocates, the Iolani and Harvard honors graduate is at the forefront of many of the priority issues that require government and community support. As a former Fulbright Scholar in New Zealand, his views and opinions are highly sought and respected in the Pacific Island community.

Nainoa_Thompson-s

2018 Salesperson of the Year: Nainoa Thompson

SME Honolulu is proud to announce our 2018 SPOY recipient, Master Navigator and President of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, Nainoa Thompson.

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Thompson is the first Native Hawaiian in 600 years to practice the ancient Polynesian art of navigation; completing long-distance open-ocean voyages without the aid of modern instruments. An explorer, educator, cultural revivalist and more, his impact is felt throughout the community.

The non-instrument navigation system Thompson has developed, which blends traditional principles and modern scientific knowledge, is taught in schools throughout Hawaii and the Pacific. He shares his knowledge openly with the hope of inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards that will protect and continue the connection between ocean past and future.

ERICKYEAMAN

2017 Salesperson of the Year: Eric K. Yeaman

Eric Yeaman joined First Hawaiian Bank (NASDAQ: FHB) as President and Chief Operating Officer on June 22, 2015. He oversees the bank’s Retail Banking Group as well as its Strategic Planning and Investor Relations, Digital Banking, Enterprise Technology, Operations Services and Bank Properties Divisions. He is also a member of the bank’s Senior Management Committee.

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Prior to joining First Hawaiian Bank, Mr. Yeaman was President and Chief Executive Officer of Hawaiian Telcom from 2008 – 2015 where he successfully led the company’s return to profitability and growth as well as its transformation to become Hawaii’s technology leader with the launch of Hawaiian Telcom TV, 1 Gigabit internet speeds, data center and advanced cloud-based services.

In 2008, he served as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (HECO) where he was responsible for the leadership of its day-to-day Oahu operations, energy solutions, public affairs, financial and administrative process areas. Prior to that from 2003 – 2008, he served as Financial Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Hawaiian Electric Industries, HECO’s parent company. He was Chief Operating and Financial Officer for Kamehameha Schools from 2000 to 2003 and began his career leading numerous audit and consulting projects at Arthur Andersen LLP from 1989 – 2000.

Active in community affairs, Mr. Yeaman currently serves on the nonprofit boards of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation and Friends of Hawaii Charities. Until recently, he was also on the nonprofit boards of The Queen’s Health Systems (the last 6 years as Chairman of the Board) and the Hawaii Community Foundation. In addition, he is a director of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), Alexander & Baldwin (NYSE: ALEX) and Hawaiian Telcom (NASDAQ: HCOM) and a member of the Hawaii Asia Pacific Association.

Mr. Yeaman was honored as one of the University of Hawaii Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni in 2016. He was also named Hawaii Business Magazine’s CEO of the Year for 2011. In September of 2010, he was inducted into University of Hawaii’s Shidler College of Business Hall of Honor. In 2004, Mr. Yeaman was recognized as the Financial Executive of the Year (Regional Award) sponsored by Robert Half International Inc. and the Institute of Management Accountants, as well as one of Pacific Business News’ Forty Under 40.

Mr. Yeaman was born and raised in Kona, Hawaii, earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree (with distinction) in accounting from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and is a certified public accountant in the State of Hawaii.

JEANROLLES

2016 Salesperson of the Year: Jean Rolles

Each year, the Sales & Marketing Executives recognize one member of the community who greatly enhances the image of Hawaii and the quality of life. This year, the association is proud to announce our latest recipient. Praised for her work ethic, community involvement and philanthropy, Jean Rolles is widely regarded as a significant contributor to the business community.

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Since the 1957 inception of the award, when Daniel S. C. Liu first accepted the title, SME has recognized scores of leaders who have served to better our community in Hawaii. We are proud to be able to add Rolles’ name to this distinguished list as our 60th recipient. Join us as we recognize her vision, achievements and contributions at this esteemed annual event.

VanceRoleys

2015 Salesperson of the Year: Vance Roley

V. Vance Roley joined the University of Hawai‘i Shidler College of Business as dean and First Hawaiian Bank Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Management, on January 1, 2005.

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Among his accomplishments as dean, Roley partnered with alumnus Jay H. Shidler to bring two transformational private donations to the college. First in 2006, to name the college the “Shidler College of Business” with a $25 million gift, and the second in 2014 to increase Mr. Shidler commitment to $100 million making it the largest donation ever to the University of Hawai‘i from a private donor.

DennisFrancis_Headshot

2014 Salesperson of the Year: Dennis Francis

Dennis Francis was honored as president and publisher of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and oversees Oahu Publications, the San Francisco Examiner & weekly newspapers in San Francisco. Editor & Publisher, the industry’s leading magazine, in 2013 named him “Publisher of the Year” for his effective leadership and generous charitable work.

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While that honor recognized his work with the Star- Advertiser, the same qualities that E&P cited also have been followed as Oahu Publications has added neighbor islands newspapers, guided by Francis. In 2012, E&P recognized the Star-Advertiser as one of “10 Newspapers That Do it Right” for Francis’ innovative community support through newspaper subscriptions.

StanfordCarr

2013 Salesperson of the Year: Stanford Carr

Born and raised on Maui, Carr is known in Hawaii for building communities on a foundation of family living, the spirit of the islands, and respect for the land. From master-planned communities to resort-style living to affordable housing, Mr. Carr has embraced each of his projects with enthusiasm and fervor resulting in Stanford Carr Development being recognized as one of the most dynamic and successful real estate developers in Hawaii.

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Giving back to the community is a core value of Mr. Carr’s corporate philosophy. He is a trustee of the University of Hawaii Foundation, 2013 Chairman for the March of Dimes Hawaii, and Corporate Team Chair for March for Babies. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific Foundation, the Trust for Public Land, and the Japan America Society of Hawaii. He is also a member of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii and was actively involved in developing the new BIA Training Center.

JohnDean

2012 Salesperson of the Year: John Dean

John Dean was honored as President and CEO of Central Pacific Bank. A 30-year veteran of the financial services industry, Dean joined CPB in 2010 and led the then-troubled bank’s recovery efforts. In three years he oversaw a $325 million capital raise, helped revitalize the company’s core values and led the bank to nine consecutive quarters of profitability.

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Dean’s community involvement includes being founder and sponsor of the Kipapa i ke Ala Lecture Series at the UH Shidler College of Business , a Director of the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship and E-Business (PACE) at the business school of the University of Hawaii, Chairman Emeritus of Entrepreneurs Foundation of Hawaii and Chairman of the Emmett R. Quady Foundation, a family foundation.

ADDITIONAL PAST RECIPIENTS
2011 Vicky Cayetano

2010 Rick Blangiardi TRIBUTE VIDEO

2009 Steven Ai & Carol Ai May

2008 Mark Dunkerley

2007 Governor Linda Lingle

2006 Eddie Flores

2005 Rex Johnson

2004 Anthony R. Guerrero, Jr.

2003 Keith Vieira

2002 Dr. Evan Dobelle

2001 Peter H. Schall

2000 Michael Perry & Larry Price

1999 Don Ho

1998 Chatt G. Wright

1997 Ed Hogan

1996 Rick Ralston

1995 George R. Ellis

1994 Dr. Richard R. Kelley

1993 Frank De Lima

1992 Walter A. Dods, Jr.

1991 Patricia F. Saiki

1990 Ruth M. Ono, Ph.D.

1989 Robert J. Pfeiffer

1988 C. Dudley Pratt, Jr.

1987 Kenneth F. Froelich

1986 John W. A. “Doc” Buyers

1985 Christopher B. Hemmeter

1984 Frank J. Manaut

1983 Mackay Yanagisawa

1982 Al Harrington

1981 John Henry Felix, Ph.D.

1980 James F. Gary

1979 George Mason

1978 R. W. “Bob” Holden

1977 George Chaplin

1976 Herbert C. Cornuelle

1975 Senator Daniel K. Inouye

1974 Danny Kaleikini

1973 John D. Bellinger

1972 Henry A. Walker, Jr.

1971 Hilo Hattie

1970 Tap Pryor

1969 Jack Lord

1968 Jack de Mello

1967 Lowell S. Dillingham

1966 Chinn Ho

1965 Dr. Thomas H. Hamilton

1964 Neal S. Blaisdell

1963 Robert Krauss

1962 Rev. Abraham Akaka

1961 Webley Edwards

1960 Duke P. Kahanamoku

1959 Henry J. Kaiser

1958 William F. Quinn

1957 Daniel S. C. Liu