Maui County FCU Hires Chief Development, Communications Officer

Denise Thayer. Photo courtesy: Maui County Federal Credit Union.

Maui County Federal Credit Union (FCU) has hired Denise Thayer into the newly created position of Chief Development & Communications Officer.

In her role, Thayer is responsible for creating and executing Maui County FCU’s marketing and business development initiatives in alignment with the organization’s strategies. In addition, Thayer oversees membership and community engagement growth.

“We are excited to have Denise join our Maui County FCU ohana! Her experience and expertise will help the credit union to grow and continue to prosper,” Maui County FCU President and CEO, Gary Fukuroku said in a press release.

“With Denise’s friendly and hardworking personality, she will fit right in and be a great asset.”

Prior to Joining Maui County FCU, Thayer served as the Chief Development & Communications Officer at Hale Makua Heath Services (Hale Makua) where she was responsible for overseeing all aspects of fundraising, marketing, community relations and communications for the organization. She was with the Maui-based, non-profit, healthcare organization for over 12 years where she played a pivotal role in increasing fund and donor development and leading the organization’s re-branding efforts early in her career.

Most recently she provided oversight for the Hale Makua’s development team in producing organization’s internal and external communications, designing and implementing development and marketing strategies, directing fundraising efforts and events, and working to secure grants, major gifts and planned gifts.

Thayer holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in marketing from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and has extensive experience in the fields of marketing, fundraising and healthcare. She started her career at various Honolulu-based advertising agencies and a brand design firm prior to moving to Maui.