Hawaiʻi Farm Project expands executive team with key leadership appointments

Hawaiʻi Farm Project announced the appointment of Julie Strong as Director of Finance and Edgar Cordero as General Manager of Maui Gold Pineapple, effective Monday, May 5. Strong, a seasoned financial leader, will guide the organization’s fiscal strategy, while Cordero, formerly Farm Manager, steps into his new role to lead Maui Gold Pineapple’s farming, processing and sales operations.

“We’re excited to welcome Julie and Edgar into their new roles,” said John White, chief executive officer of Hawai‘i Farm Project. “Their expertise will be instrumental as we strengthen our financial foundation and elevate our commitment to sustainable agritourism, ensuring the continued growth of our brands while honoring the communities we serve.” 

Julie Strong, Director of Finance, Hawai’i Farm Project

In this newly created leadership role, Julie Strong will oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and strategic planning across Hawai’i Farm Project’s family of brands. Her appointment reflects the company’s growing scale and ambition, and her leadership will help ensure financial health and alignment with long-term strategic goals. 

Strong brings over 15 years of experience in senior financial roles across nonprofit, corporate and manufacturing sectors. Most recently, she served as Chief Fiscal Officer at Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. (MEO), where she led financial operations across 50 grant-funded programs and played a vital role in supporting economic stability and empowerment on the island. She also held financial leadership roles at JFC Global, DB Schenker, Niece Equipment, and Reynolds Restoration Services, among others. 

“To join an organization that not only celebrates Hawai’i’s agricultural heritage but is committed to building a more sustainable, community-centered future is a dream,” said Julie Strong, director of finance of Hawai’i Farm Project. “I look forward to working alongside this dedicated team to steward the company’s financial growth and long-term impact.”

Edgar Cordero, General Manager, Maui Gold Pineapple

With more than a decade of experience in farm management and agricultural operations, Edgar Cordero now leads Maui Gold Pineapple as General Manager, guiding strategic growth. Cordero’s priorities include preserving the legacy of Maui-grown pineapples, optimizing efficiencies across the production process, and sustaining Maui Gold’s commitment to quality and environmentally responsible practices.

Previously serving as Farm Manager for Maui Gold Pineapple, Cordero led core agronomic operations including land stewardship, planting, irrigation, integrated pest management, and harvesting. He played a key role in the company’s transition into a more data-driven era, helping implement digital systems to improve forecasting, track key performance metrics, and drive profitability. Committed to continuous improvement, Cordero champions a culture of safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability—ensuring Maui Gold Pineapple continues to thrive with innovation at its roots.

Cordero’s background includes previous positions at Bayer Crop Science, where he served as Farm Operations Lead and Agronomic Research Specialist. He also contributes to the broader agricultural community as a board member of the Maui County Soil & Water Conservation District.

“Maui Gold has a long-standing reputation for excellence, and I’m honored to lead the team into its next chapter,” said Edgar Cordero, general manager of Maui Gold Pineapple. “My focus is on maintaining the highest standards in our operations while continuing to grow responsibly and sustainably.”

With this transition, former General Manager Rudy Balala will take on a new role as a full-time Pineapple Tour Guide with Maui Pineapple Tour, where he will continue sharing his knowledge and aloha with guests from around the world.

“We are thankful for Rudy’s many contributions and look forward to seeing him continue to inspire others through our tour experiences,” added White. 

For more information, visit HawaiiFarmProject.com.