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BIA Staff

Meet the BIA Hawaii Team

At the Building Industry Association of Hawaii, our dedicated staff work every day to advance the mission of strengthening Hawaiʻi’s building industry through advocacy, education, and community engagement. United by a shared commitment to excellence, collaboration, and service, our team supports members, partners, and the public in building safe, sustainable, and affordable homes across our islands.

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Roseann Freitas

Chief Executive Officer 
info@biahawaii.org
808-629-7500

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Roseann brings a wealth of experience across accounting, marketing, and interior design. Her diverse background serves her well in leading BIA Hawaii with vision and integrity. Known for her professionalism and strategic leadership, she has earned trust as a respected voice for Hawaiʻi’s business community, including her years with the Better Business Bureau. Roseann is deeply passionate about supporting local small businesses and strengthening Hawaiʻi’s construction industry through education, advocacy, and collaboration.
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Stanley Urutsuka

Director of Finance and Administration 
stan@biahawaii.org
808-629-7515

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With decades of financial management experience, Stan ensures BIA Hawaii operates with fiscal integrity and accountability. He oversees all financial processes, budgets, and reporting, providing precise and timely information to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee. Meticulous and reliable, Stan’s expertise keeps BIA’s operations on solid financial ground. Outside of work, he enjoys bowling and participated in BIA Hawaii’s first Halloween Bowling Tournament.
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Tricia Laanui-Nuestro

Director of Operations 
tricia@biahawaii.org
808-629-7511

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As Director of Operations, Tricia manages BIA Hawaii’s facilities to ensure they remain safe, efficient, and sustainable. She oversees systems and workflows that strengthen coordination across departments, improve cost efficiency, and support long-term organizational goals. With a strong background in IT and operations management, Tricia leads efforts to maintain reliable technology and infrastructure. Her proactive approach and commitment to continuous improvement help BIA operate smoothly and effectively in service to its members.
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Eva Marie Whitworth

Education Manager 
marie@biahawaii.org
808-629-7504

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As Education Manager, Marie oversees BIA Hawaii’s workforce development programs including the signature Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (PACT) program, professional certifications, and continuing education workshops. She holds a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering and combines technical expertise with a passion for teaching. Marie helps members and professionals advance their skills and careers across Hawaiʻi’s building industry.
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Savvy Andrews

Event and Member Experience Specialist
savvy@biahawaii.org 
808-629-7503

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Savvy brings a background in public relations, journalism and digital communications to her role as Event Coordinator for BIA Hawaiʻi. She plans and executes member events from concept to completion, creating opportunities for industry professionals to connect, learn, and strengthen relationships across Hawaiʻi's building community. Passionate about bringing people together, she enjoys creating meaningful experiences while ensuring every event reflects BIA Hawaiʻi's mission and values. Prior to joining BIA Hawaiʻi, Savvy contributed content and communications for organizations including Hawaii Business Magazine, Honolulu Civil Beat, Hawaiʻi Athletics, and the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa through the College of Social Sciences Digital Studios and several student organizations.

Triana Laanui

Social Media Manager  
triana@biahawaii.org 

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Holly Kessler

Director of Communications  
holly@biahawaii.org 
808-629-7505

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Holly Kessler joined the BIA team as Communications Director in October 2019, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Throughout her career as a professional association executive, she has led a wide range of initiatives, including membership development, fundraising, marketing, event planning, and grant writing. In her role at BIA, Holly spearheads the organization's communications strategy, producing newsletters, eBlasts, member communications, special projects and press releases that keep members and the community informed and engaged. She also manages the day-to-day operations of the Hawaii Building Industry Foundation, supporting its mission and programs. Holly earned her MBA from Hawaii Pacific University, a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University, and a Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Harvard Business School.
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Stef Sakamoto

Lobbyist

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