Prior to her role as tourism liaison for the County of Maui, Lisa Paulson served as MHLA’s executive director for seven years.

WAILUKU — Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA) announced that its board of directors has appointed Lisa Paulson as executive director.

Paulson will be leaving her position at the County of Maui as tourism liaison to assume her new role.

Speaking on behalf of the MHLA board, Chair Angela Vento said, “We are fortunate to have someone of Lisa Paulson’s caliber and experience step in to lead MHLA. We are in a critical time. Lisa’s leadership and ability to implement our strategy provides tremendous benefit moving forward.

“Paulson has over 20 years of experience in driving strategic growth and visibility for organizations. She is a strong communicator with a solid background in lobbying, public relations and fundraising. She also has deep roots in the community as a 27-year resident and participation on many of Maui’s non-profit boards.”

Mayor Michael Victorino shared his congratulations as well.

“When Lisa discussed this opportunity with me, we agreed the people of Maui County will benefit most from her leadership of MHLA,” said Mayor Victorino.

“She has been a vital link between my office and the hospitality industry throughout the pandemic. Lisa has been instrumental in helping us to balance public health with economic health concerns. I, along with her county colleagues, congratulate her and wish her much success in her return to MHLA.”

Prior to her role as tourism liaison for the County of Maui, Paulson served as MHLA’s executive director for seven years, leading the organization through a growth in membership, maintaining a strong legislative presence at the state and county, and raising $1.4 million in the 2018 Charity Walk for participating nonprofit organizations.

Paulson holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Chatham University and coursework on a master’s degree in marketing and statistics from Drexel University.

Additionally, Paulson has worked with many of Maui’s non-profits, such as Maui United Way, American Heart Association, Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, Malama I Ke Ola Health Center, Maui OnStage, Book Trust Maui, Maui Academy of Performing Arts and Maui Humane Society.

Paulson has lived on Maui for 27 years with her family.

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 to advocate for the visitor industry.

The organization also provides educational opportunities and scholarships and gives back to the community via the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, Excellence in Education Golf Tournament and Na Kupuna Dinner.

For additional information, contact the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association at 244-8625 or info@mauihla.org, or visit www.mauihla.org.