STAFF

JANIS A. REISCHMANN   
Janis was hired as the Foundation’s first Executive Director in April 2008, bringing to this role more than 20 years of working in the nonprofit sector in Hawai`i.  Her experience with grantmaking foundations includes seeking grants from local as well as national foundations and serving as staff or consultant to Hawai`i Community Foundation and various family and independent foundations.  For seven years, Janis led a consulting practice, largely in Hawai`i, that focused primarily on organizational and project development with most of her clients being nonprofit or government agencies.

On being a part of Hau`oli Mau Loa Foundation Janis says, “Over the years I have learned that grantmaking foundations realize their success through the hard work of others.  For this reason, I am deeply indebted to the organizations that have partnered with the Foundation in the past and to those that will engage with us in the future, as it is through them, we will have the impact our benefactor intended."

OLIVIA MĀHIEHIE ARANA
Olivia joined the Hau`oli Mau Loa team in September 2009 and assists with the operations of the Foundation. Prior to this, she worked in higher education at Cerritos Community College in the Health Occupations Division, focusing on developing financial statements and carrying out special projects. She strives to do good and reach out to people through participation in community service, volunteering at  local schools, and teaching Hula.

"I feel very fortunate to be part of Helga’s mission and purpose to help others, especially our youth in Hawai`i. To witness her love and passion expressed through the Foundation’s partnerships and on-going work is a blessing. E ho`omau i ka hana maika`i e mālama i nā keiki me kēia `āina aloha. (May the good work in taking care of the children and this beloved land continue).”

BRANT HI‘IKUA CHILLINGWORTH
Brant joined Hau`oli Mau Loa Foundation in January of 2009 as the Foundation’s Program Officer. Prior to joining the Foundation, Brant served as the Community Reinvestment Act and Community Development Officer at Bank of Hawaii for over five years. In addition to his Community Development duties, Brant also served as Vice President of the Bank of Hawaii Charitable Foundation where he supported all areas of grant making, including the proposal review process and community outreach.

"I’m excited about the opportunity to help carry out Helga’s vision: to do good every day by assisting organizations that bring hope to our youth and work to protect the environment,” notes Brant about working for the Foundation.

KEAHI MAKAIMOKU
Keahi joined the Hau’oli Mau Loa team in March 2012 as the Foundation’s Program Associate. Prior to joining the Foundation, she worked as a Project Analyst with the Kamehameha Schools Public Education Support Division where she supported the planning and implementation of the Ka Pua Initiative on the Wai’anae Coast. Keahi also worked for a non-profit in Washington State in various roles including marketing, fund development, and all aspects of earned income.

“It is an honor to work towards fulfilling Helga’s vision of bringing hope to our keiki and enhancing efforts for stewardship, preservation and protection of our environment- all through the inspiring work of our partners."

ANELA SHIMIZU
Anela was first introduced to Hau`oli Mau Loa Foundation in December of 2007.  As a legal assistant to one of the Foundation’s Directors, Wayne M. Pitluck, Anela provided support to the Foundation in its operational transition as it received its full endowment and established an office in Honolulu.  She was officially hired by the Foundation in July of 2008 as its Operations Manager.  Experienced in working with executive management teams in the legal, education, and business arenas, Anela brings over 20 years of organizational management and research skills to her role with the Foundation.

The decision to join Hau`oli Mau Loa was an easy one for Anela: “Being able to assist the Foundation in carrying out Helga’s dreams partnering with organizations dedicated to enriching the lives of others, and working with Directors who knew Helga well and who are passionate about honoring her legacy, was a unique opportunity that I was privileged to accept.”

DEBI SIEGEL
Born in Scotland, Maryland, Debi relocated to Hawai`i in 1984. In 1987 Debi met Helga and her family and began managing the family residence for them. At a later point, when one of the family homes was donated to the Foundation, Debi agreed to continue managing the home for the Foundation.

In reflecting on the years she spent with Helga, Debi notes, “It was a wonderful experience to have become so close to such a kind, gracious, and caring lady.  And now, being a part of her ongoing legacy is a true honor.”