Thieman Leaves MEO for Lokahi Pacific

Susie Thieman, interim executive director, Lokahi Pacific. Photo courtesy of Thieman.

By Sonia Isotov

Starting August 29, Susie Theiman, former chief executive officer for Maui Economic Opportunity’s Business Development Corporation (MEO-BDC), will assume a new leadership role as interim executive director for Lokahi Pacific.

After seven years providing training and loan services in the micro-lending and small business development arena at MEO-BDC, Thieman says she’s going to “enjoy working with not just the business community, but the local residential community members at large.”

Thieman has over 30 years of for-profit business experience, including starting, managing and selling her own business. Her non-profit experience includes more than 35 years of volunteer board service to various organizations including 17 years with the Oahu Private Industry Council.

“I am excited for the opportunity to work on loan packages for business, but also to manage a commercial kitchen and business incubator and help low-income and disabled individuals find affordable long-term housing,” said Thieman.

As executive director, Thieman will provide leadership in three areas of community development for Lokahi Pacific:

• Housing Development and Management – Beginning with the development of the Hale O Mana’o Lana Hou special needs rental housing project in 1980, Lokahi Pacific has developed and currently manages seven housing projects on Maui. Lokahi Pacific’s newest housing projects — 62 Market Street rental apartments brought the total number of housing rental units to 87.
• Small Business Lending – Lokahi Pacific administers several business lending programs to support and promote economic development. Since 1992 over $10 million has been loaned to small businesses.
• Community Facilities Development – The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Center in Wailuku provide badly needed office space for local non-profit agencies. The project includes a 20 unit residential component that provides affordable long term rental housing for persons with special needs. Wailuku Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Pono Center, also in Wailuku includes a business incubator, affordable rental housing, a café; and a commercial kitchen.