Maya Parish

Executive Director

Maya has been directing Kohala Food Hub since November 2021. Prior to that, Parish supported local agricultural initiatives on the island for many years through producing and directing workshop series, videos and events, including 'Āina Lessons and 'Āina Fest with HIP Agriculture. She has gratefully called North Kohala home since 2013. Maya has worked extensively as a community organizer and has served on North Kohala’s CDP Advisory Group, and as co-chair of the CDP Agricultural sub-group. Previous employment includes Operations Manager of Escape Hatch, LLC, Programs Manager at Kohala Institute at ‘Iole, Teacher with Keiki Yoga Kohala, Teaching Artist at The Unusual Suspects, and CareActor with Kaiser Permanente.

Sandra Romer

Operations Director

Hailing from Ireland originally, Sandra leads operations for the Kohala Food Hub and has an extensive operations background in both the non-profit & for-profit sectors. She previously served as the Director of Operations for the Legacy Reef Foundation, growing coral at NELHA on the Big Island. Prior to that, she held a range of roles in procurement & commodity management, had her own mobile food business, worked in the home automation field and has even been a bike messenger in Australia. She counts herself very lucky to have resided in multiple states in the US and a few global countries too. Sandra loves to stay active with her Big Island community, hiking & biking and trying to get in the ocean every day.

Travis Travers

Manager

Travis is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in hospitality, retail management, and sales. Originally from Alaska, he has recently made North Kohala his home, residing on a family horse ranch for the past 1.5 years. His time in Kohala has been dedicated to working with animals, tending to gardens, and stewarding the land. Prior to his move to Hawaiʻi, Travis spent a decade honing his skills in the hospitality industry, progressing to the role of general manager at a restaurant and bar establishment. During the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Travis pivoted to managing a retail store and later transitioned to a role as a sales and distribution manager in the wholesale business sector.

Kat Cuzma

Sales & Marketing Representative

Raised in the Arizona desert and now rooted in Hawaiʻi, Kat is passionate about transforming food systems and strengthening community through local food. With 6+ years in sales, marketing, and community engagement, she’s helped mission-driven food businesses thrive—from handcrafted ferments to farm-fresh subscriptions. Culinary-trained in health-supportive cooking, she values food as both nourishment and culture. At Kohala Food Hub, Kat blends strategy and heart to grow partnerships, expand food access, and uplift Hawaiʻi’s producers—always with care, hustle, and a deep love for good food.

Kiele Carpio

Administrative Assistant

Kiele was born and raised in Kohala. After moving away in 2021 and spending a few years elsewhere, she realized there’s truly no place like home. She returned in 2024 and is grateful to be rooted in Kohala once again. With a background in bookkeeping and tax, Kiele is excited to support Kohala Food Hub and the local farmers who make this community so special. When she’s not working, you’ll find her at the beach or hiking with her dogs.

Callie Gardner

Administrative Assistant/Associate

Originally from the desert of southern Utah, Callie has always been inspired by nature and the animals who share it with us. After several years working in sales and marketing, she followed her dream of living near the ocean and building a life rooted in community and sustainability. Now, as part of the Kohala Food Hub, she is thrilled to combine her love of the outdoors, gardening, and community service here on the beautiful Big Island of Hawai‘i. She feels it’s a privilege to support local food systems and connect with others who share a passion for nurturing the land and one another.

Zapora Monti

Da Bux Ambassador

Zapora is passionate about health and the systems that work to support a thriving community. Her favorite part about working with KFH is not only about connecting people with local, fresh whole food products but also connecting with community through the volunteer program. After spending time working in school and hospital settings as an educator and speech-language therapist, she embarked on a journey to study alternative modes of healing while living abroad. She is now rooted in North Kohala where she enjoys drinking cacao, cooking, gardening and tending a beautiful food forest farm which was established by her mother 30 years ago.

Jesse Rubendall

Programs & Marketing

Jesse brings years of experience in digital marketing, brand development, communications, and project management. Before moving to Kohala in 2021, Jesse supported the launch of several startup companies through his creativity and proficiency in brand strategy. Following his heart, Jesse and his wife transitioned to life on the Big Island to pursue their passion of regenerative agriculture. Through his work in local agriculture, Jesse connected with us and has consulted with Kohala Food Hub since 2023.

Claire Muskopf

Accounting

Claire Muskopf, CNAP, leads Aonyx Consulting, a nonprofit-focused consulting firm that supports Kohala Food Hub with financial management and grant compliance. With a deep understanding of nonprofit accounting, Claire’s support keeps our financial operations running smoothly so we can focus on feeding our community.

Katie Wortman

Development & Design

Katie has supported Kohala Food Hub since 2022, contributing to grant writing, website development, impact reporting, and marketing design. A former manager of the organization, she continues to play a key role in securing funding to support the hub’s operations and food access programs. Katie received her master’s degree in Sustainable Food Systems through Arizona State University. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to strengthening Hawai‘i’s local food system and uplifting the farmers and communities at its heart.

Elijah Candland

Associate

Elijah is a graphic designer with a bachelor’s degree from Utah Tech University and a passion for helping ideas take shape. Before joining the Kohala Food Hub, he worked as a designer and screen printer in Southern Utah, as well as a hiking guide at a world-renowned fitness resort. He now works remotely as a video editor for the same resort while supporting daily operations at the Food Hub. Outside of work, he runs his own design and apparel business, offering custom artwork, branding, and clothing.

Pierce Glover