Our People

Kalei is the Executive Director and Vice President of Ke Ali‘i Pauahi Foundation.  In this role, she is responsible for the overall strategy development and providing day-to-day management of the Foundation. 

Prior to the Foundation, Kalei was at Hawai‘i Community Foundation for over eight years where she served in a number of capacities, most recently as Director of Philanthropic Services.

A 1989 graduate of the Kamehameha Schools, she received her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California and her Master's of Business Administration from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.  

Known to many as "Aunty Gerry", she works with alumni classes and families to establish scholarship funds and encourages all alumni to give in support of the Foundation’s mission.  

In addition to being a 1960 graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Aunty Gerry earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and later pursued a master’s in Counseling Psychology from Chaminade University of Honolulu.

Bran-Dee is responsible for planning and managing fundraising programs and partnerships with Kamehameha Schools’ alumni, faculty, staff, students and parents, as well as the general public.

Bran-Dee's past experience includes work at Santa Clara University as the Assistant Development Director and at The Harker School as the Director of Annual Giving. Bran-Dee received her bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from Santa Clara University. 

Mavis is responsible for overseeing and maintaining our scholarship program. She works closely with Bran-Dee to ensure the connection between scholarship donors, funds and recipients are cohesive.

Mavis' work experience includes 23 years with Kamehameha Schools in a variety of positions.  Prior to joining the Foundation, she served as manager for Kamehameha Schools' O‘ahu Regional Resource Center. Mavis has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hawaiian Studies from University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

Denise works closely with Aunty Gerry on planning and executing programs and activities to ensure that Kamehameha Schools alumni stay connected with the school, foundation, and other alumni. 

Prior to joining the Foundation, she was a Mortgage Consultant with Hawai‘i Community Lending, as well as a Homebuyer Education Trainer with Hawaiian Community Assets.  She also was part-owner and creator of Imua Lounge. Denise earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Willamette University and a Masters of Science in Human Services: Counseling/Psychology from the University of Portland.

Jana is responsible for database management, research and statistical analysis of gift processing and giving trends, and generating other vital constituent reports.  She also works closely with the Kamehameha Schools alumni office to manage data integrity and reporting.

Jana has been with Kamehameha Schools for more than 20 years.  Prior to the Foundation, she was the Executive Secretary to the Vice President of Legal Services at Kamehameha Schools.  Jana earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management with an emphasis on Human Resources and Organizational Structure from the University of Phoenix in Honolulu. She also has an Associate of Science degree from Cannon’s Business College in the professions of legal assistant, secretary and stenographer.

Scott works in tandem with Mavis to process and oversee the scholarship program for both internal offerings to Kamehameha Schools seniors and the general public. He comes to the Foundation with a business background, and carries a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Hawai‘i Pacific University and has an extensive background in the non-profit arena.

Wendy provides administrative support to the Foundation staff and manages office operations.

Prior to the Foundation, she was a Public Information Officer with the Office of the Vice President for University Relations at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.  Her past experience also includes work as a Senior Development Officer with the  Kuakini Foundation.  Wendy received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

Melissa provides administrative support to office staff, as well as assists Wendy with office operations. 

Her past work experience includes work with the City & County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation as a Recreation Aid and at the University of Hawai‘i as an Admissions Assistant with the Undergraduate Admissions Office.  She received an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from Kapi‘olani Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. 

Ben manages the branding and messaging initiatives relating to giving opportunities and scholarships at the Foundation. He has over nine years of marketing and advertising experience. Ben was previously an account supervisor at the Harris Agency. He received his bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

Cory serves as a strategic partner responsible for providing fiscal leadership for the Ke Ali‘i Pauahi Foundation.  He is a licensed certified public accountant with more than 15 years of experience in venture capital, travel industry, non-profit, and public accounting. Cory's past experience include Vice President of Finance for Kona Blue Water Farms, LLC. 

Bert is responsible for preparing and managing all budgeting, unitized fund accounting, and monthly financials.  He is a certified public accountant with over 18 years experience.  Prior to coming over to the Foundation, he served as Director of Finance at the Domestic Violence Action Center for two years. Additional work experience includes serving as Controller at Cox Radio Inc. and as an accountant at McEnerney Shimabukuro Okazaki & Fujita, CPAs, AAC.