Jul. 11, 2016
Contributed by Tasha Mero
Kamehameha Schools has named Marissa Harman director of asset management for Hawaiʻi island - a position within KS’ Community and Engagement and Resources Group (CE&R).
Harman has been serving as the Hawaiʻi island’s interim director of asset management since September 2015. She is responsible for leading KS’ land and asset management activities and working with other KS divisions to implement a collective vision for KS’ agricultural, conservation and commercial lands on Hawaiʻi island. She will also assist CE&R’s leasing team to help ensure effective and efficient completion of lease and land transactions.
Harman began her career as a planner before joining KS in 2007. After nine years with KS, managing lands in south Kona, Puna, Hilo and Hāmākua, Harman knows well the challenges of island-wide management and is still excited and driven in her daily work.
“One of the most exciting things about this position is that I get to be a facilitator for our ʻĀina Pauahi - to facilitate opportunities for our island’s farmers, ranchers, kaiāulu, kumu and haumāna,” Harman said.
“One of my near-term goals in this role is to rise to the challenge of integrating all the work we currently do with our Strategic Plan 2020 and Strategic Vision 2040.”
Hawaiʻi island Senior Director of Regional Strategies Alapaki Nahale-a is confident in Harman’s leadership abilities.
“One of the greatest opportunities for KS to achieve its vision for 2040 is to utilize our land assets in responsible yet creative ways,” said Nahale-a. “This will require steady, informed, and committed leadership.
“Marissa brings all these qualities and more. She has shown exceptional work ethic, the ability to change and adapt, as well as the courage to care for our staff and our community. She is a foundational piece to the work we have to do moving forward.”
A 1996 graduate of KS Kapālama, Harman was born and raised on Kauaʻi, and currently resides in Hilo. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian preservation and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning, both from the University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa. Harman, her husband and two daughters reside in Hilo.
One of the greatest opportunities for KS to achieve its vision for 2040 is to utilize our land assets in responsible yet creative ways. This will require steady, informed, and committed leadership. Marissa brings all these qualities and more. She has shown exceptional work ethic, the ability to change and adapt, as well as the courage to care for our staff and our community. She is a foundational piece to the work we have to do moving forward.
Alapaki Nahale-a, Hawaiʻi island. Sr. Director of Regional Strategies