HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0042.000 2020-2022Mitchell D. Roth
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Lee E. Lord
Managing Director
Robert H. Command
Deputy Iylanaging Director
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25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440
December 8, 2020
Honorable Chair Maile David
And Members of the Hawaii County Council
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 06720
Dear Chair David and Members of the Hawaii County Council:
It is my pleasure to submit for your confirmation the appointment of Maurice C. Messina as
Director for the County of Hawaii Department of Parks & Recreation, pursuant to Section
6-3.2 of the Hawaii County Charter. This appointment was effective at 12:00 noon on
Monday, December 7, 2020.
Mr. Messina most recently served as the Chief of Staff for Mayor Harry Kim. Prior to working for
Mayor Kim, he was the Deputy Director of the Hawaii County Department of Parks and
Recreation and spent an additional 4 years of county service in the Office of the Prosecuting
Attorney as a Legal Assistant. Mr. Messina is a retired combat veteran and served as a
Operations and Legal Specialist in the United States Navy.
Mr. Messina will serve a term co -terminus with my tenure, which will end on December 2,
2024.
Pursuant to Rule 5(6) (g) of the Rules of Procedures and Organization of the Council of the
County of Hawaii, we respectfully request a waiver of nomination through committee so
that it may be considered by the full County Council on December 23, 2020.
Thank you for your favorable consideration of this appointment. If you have any questions
about this matter, please feel free to call me.
With Aloha,
Mitchell D. Roth Council Action Due By: February 5, 2021 Comm,T
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Mayor Last Council Meeting: February 3, 2021 Ref. To:
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Ref. Date ®J' �. ,P1
Attachment
County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
MAURICE C. MESSINA
A self -motivated, highly creative, and results -driven Navy Veteran and management
professional. A resourceful forward thinker with passion, ethical responsibility and
personal accountability who can be counted on to carry out the vision of the Mayor.
✓ Sound leadership and business -management abilities complemented by professional,
hands-on administrative style that inspires others to create a team -oriented work
environment that ultimately enhances morale.
✓ Known throughout County leadership as a person with passion for the citizens and
visitors of Hawaii County, who's not afraid of taking on difficult tasks and can be
counted on to follow through with commitments.
RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Hawaii County Mayor's Office
Chief of Staff December 2019 - Present
• Represents the Mayor's office in high level State and Federal discussions, County
Council meetings and community events & meetings when the Mayor cannot attend.
• Work on a daily basis with all County Departments to ensure smooth operations and
assist with staff and operational concerns.
• During the COVID-19 response, an integral member of the Civil Defense liaison team,
Rules Committee, Airport Operations Team, Education Task Force, and Response and
Recovery Team. Responsible for direct coordination and communication with
Department of Health, The Food Basket, Army National Guard, and numerous other
entities responsible for COVID-19 planning and response.
Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation
Deputy Director December 2017 - December 2019
• Responsible for assisting the Director with the management of over 460 employees,
over 350 sites, and a $34 million budget.
• Managed all operations of the Emergency Shelters during the 2018 Kilauea Lava
Eruption, to include coordination with numerous county and state agencies, the
American Red Cross, FEMA, HIEMA, physicians and veterinarians. This was the
longest running emergency shelter in the history of Hawaii, with over 500 individuals
at one point. FEMA noted to the state that our shelter system was superbly managed
and one of the cleanest they've ever seen.
• Coordinated with Human Resources, Union Representatives and investigators on
numerous grievances to ensure quick resolutions.
Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Hawaii County
Legal Assistant July 2013 - December 2017
Named as department's nominee for 2017 County Employee of the Year.
• Extremely well adapt at persuasive writing. As Legislative Liaison, drafted legislative
testimony for over 140 House and Senate Bills. Authored seven Bills and garnered
support for their introduction with select Senators and Representatives.
MAURICE MESSINA
Phone: (808)557-7937 ■ Page 2
RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED)
♦ -Routinely worked with the Mayor's Office, County Council, Corporation Counsel, Police
Leadership, Community Policing, Parks and Recreation, and numerous outside
agencies to find solutions to county -wide issues.
♦ Co -developed supervisor and leadership trainings for supervisors. This training has
led to supervisors being more confident when conducting performance reviews,
administering discipline, and building morale within their divisions.
Na Wai Ola Public Charter School
Governing Board Chair 2012-2015
♦ 20.14 Top Charter School in the state. 2013 Most Improved Charter School.
o Accomplished with 100% of student population considered low-income, with
over half of those students considered homeless.
♦ Successfully negotiated three employee grievance actions with the Hawaii State
Teacher's Association (HSTA) .
♦ After second year as chair, ended the school year with first ever surplus of cash -on -
hand - which directly lead to increases of salaries for principal, lead teacher, and
business manager - along with performance bonuses, a first for the school.
It's All About Kids, LLC / IT Group Hawaii
Hawaii Island District Manager 2006 - 2013
Recruited to expand an education and technology company to Hawaii Island, guiding the
startup and management of community awareness campaigns, business development,
fundraising campaigns, training, and outreach operations. Interviewed, hired, trained, and
managed 84 employees at over 30 sites.
♦ Proven track record of keeping senior management up-to-date and informed through
constant communication, strategic planning and tracking, goal monitoring, GANNT
Charts, and daily reporting. Self -motivated and results driven.
♦ Orchestrated the design, development, and delivery of informational seminars and
presentations to community organizations, educational institutions, local businesses
and island -wide groups.
♦ Promoted to greater leadership and geographical responsibility 3 times and increased
revenue by 283% in 7 -year period.
OTHER RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION
PATCH (People Attentive to Children) Hawaii
Hawaii Island Manager January 2013 -July 2013
U.S. Navy Veteran 1991-2002: Combat Veteran; Operations Specialist; Independent Legal
Specialist; Shipboard Firefighter and Flood Control Team Leader; Master Training
Specialist; Leadership Development; Shipboard Aircraft Landing Signalman
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice; Naval Criminal Justice School; ABA Certified
Paralegal