Maui Food Bank appoints Lisa Paulson as new Chief Executive Officer

Following a comprehensive search, Maui Food Bank has named Lisa Paulson as chief executive officer, effective Aug. 19, 2024. The appointment comes at a critical time as the organization addresses a 65% surge in food insecurity needs due to the recent Maui wildfires.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lisa Paulson as our new CEO,” said Maui Food Bank Chair Jason Economou. “Her extensive experience and proven leadership in crisis management and community collaboration will be invaluable as we navigate the increased demand for our services and continue our mission to combat hunger in Maui County.”

A long-time Maui executive, Paulson brings 25 years of senior management experience in both the business and nonprofit sectors. She most recently held the position of executive director of Maui’s Hotel and Lodging Association, where she notably led the evacuation efforts for approximately 12,000 tourists during the Maui wildfires. 

Her prior roles include serving as a community liaison focusing on hospitality and environmental resource preservation for the County of Maui. Paulson has also held key positions at Maui Health, Jones Lang LaSalle, and A&B Properties, showcasing a diverse and robust background.

Recognized for her exceptional crisis management and leadership capabilities, Paulson was honored as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year. She has actively collaborated with various Maui nonprofits, such as Maui United Way, the American Heart Association, Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, Mālama I Ke Ola Health Center, Maui OnStage, Book Trust Maui, Maui Academy of Performing Arts, and the Maui Humane Society.

Paulson holds a Master of Science in Marketing from Drexel University, a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from UCLA, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Music from Chatham University. In 2023, she was celebrated by Pacific Business Magazine as one of the Most Admired Leaders and by Pacific Edge Magazine as a Women in Business and Hospitality Executive of the Year.