Board of Directors
Hawaiian Electric Industries

In addition to extensive leadership expertise, Admiral Fargo brings to the Board deep knowledge of the U.S. military, a major customer of HEI’s electric utility subsidiary and a key driver of Hawaii’s economy. He has top level management, strategic planning and financial and non-financial risk assessment skills developed over 40 years of leading nine organizations ranging in size from 130 to 300,000 people and managing budgets up to $8 billion.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Owner, Fargo Associates LLC (since 2005) (defense and homeland/national security consultancy)
• Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command (retired)

Public company boards

• The Greenbrier Companies (since 2015) (rail manufacturing & licensing services)
• Matson Inc. (since 2012) (transportation & logistics)

Past public company boards

• Huntington Ingalls Industries (2011-2020) (military shipbuilder)
• Northrop Grumman Corporation (2008-2011)
• Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (2005-2008) (Hawaiian Airlines holding company)
• Alexander & Baldwin (2010-2011)

Other positions

• Vice Chairman, United Services Automotive Association
• Adivsory Board Member, National Bureau of Asian Research
• Director, AtHoc (until 2016)
• Director, GTA Teleguam (until 2017)
• Senior Advisor, SKAI Ventures
• Director, Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (HEI subsidiary) (2005-2016)

Education

• Bachelor of Science, United States Naval Academy
• Executive and business training - Harvard University; Stanford University

Scott Seu is president and chief executive officer of HEI, the parent company of Hawaiian Electric, American Savings Bank and Pacific Current.

Prior to assuming his current role in January 2022, Seu was president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric, the electric utility serving 95% of Hawai‘i’s population. Seu joined Hawaiian Electric in 1993 and held numerous leadership positions across the company, including in the areas of environmental management, renewable energy development, electric system operations, and government and community affairs.

Seu also worked as a mechanical and environmental engineer in California and worked abroad in China before returning home to Hawai‘i.

In addition to his work at HEI, Seu is a board member of the Electric Power Research Institute and the Edison Electric Institute. He also serves various Hawai‘i non-profits, including as board chair of Hale Kipa and as a board member of Teach for America- Hawai‘i and Partners in Development Foundation.

Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Seu is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, and is a licensed mechanical engineer in the State of Hawai‘i.

Professional experience

• President and Chief Executive Officer, Hawaiian Electric Company (February 2020 – December 2021)
• Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Hawaiian Electric Company (January 2017 – February 2020)
• Vice President, System Operation, Hawaiian Electric Company (May 2014 - December 2016)
• Vice President, Energy Resources and Operations, Hawaiian Electric Company (January 2013 - April 2014)
• Vice President, Energy Resources, Hawaiian Electric Company (August 2010 - December 2012)

Other positions

• Director, Edison Electric Institute (the primary electric utility industry association representing all U.S. investor-owned electric companies)
• Director, Hale Kipa (a leading Hawaii non-profit providing safety net services to at-risk youth for over 50 years)
• Officer, Hawaii Society of Professional Engineers Educational Foundation
• Director, Regional Advisory Board Teach for America Hawaii
• Director, Electric Power Research Institute, Committee member, Governance and Nominating Committee
• Director, Electric Power Research Institute, Committee member, Governance and Nominating Committee

Education

• Mr. Seu is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, and is a licensed mechanical engineer in the State of Hawaii.

Ms. Connors is a recognized leader in climate risk and environmental sustainability with over two decades of experience shaping economic development and energy policy. 

As CEO of the Hawai‘i Local 2030 Hub, an internationally recognized center of excellence, Ms. Connors is leading strategies to scale policy, technology, and financial solutions to build community resilience. As the Executive Director of Hawai‘i Green Growth (2015-2021), a Hawai‘i-based network of over 150 members, Ms. Connors convened business, government and non-profit stakeholders to catalyze action on Hawai‘i’s 2030 sustainability goals and deliver long-term value to all. She has extensive experience in resilient infrastructure project development, management and finance as the co-founder and CEO of c.dots development. 

Ms. Connors is a climate risk and national security expert with significant government, regulatory and policy experience from serving at the White House National Security Council (2008-2012) as the Director for Climate and Environment managing policy across all US federal agencies. In this role, she was also part of the National Economic Council where she led green growth and economic development strategies, supporting the 2009 APEC Summit and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations. Ms. Connors advised the President, Vice President, Cabinet members and other government leaders on environment and sustainable development strategy. She is also a foreign policy expert having served overseas as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State. 

Raised in Hawai‘i, Ms. Connors has a proven track record of working to achieve Hawai‘i’s energy and sustainability goals, which adds significant value to HEI’s efforts to accelerate a sustainable future for Hawai‘i.

Professional experience

• Executive Director of Hawai‘i Green Growth (network based organization focused on achieving Hawai‘i’s 2030 climate, energy and environmental sustainability goals (2015-2021)
• Visiting Scholar and Associate Practitioner in Residence (Energy, Resources and Environment Program), Johns Hopkins University (2012-2019)
• Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, c.dots development (builds partnerships to deliver resilient infrastructure (since 2012) 
• Director (Environment and Climate Change), National Security Council, White House (2008-2012)
• Diplomat, U.S. Department of State (2000-2012)
• Foreign Policy Advisor (Office of the Mayor), City of New York (1999- 2000)

OTHER POSITIONS

• Affiliate Faculty, University of Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) (since 2021)
• Advisory Board, U.S. Department of Defense, INDOPACOM, Climate Change Impact (CCI) Program (since 2021)
• Adjunct Senior Fellow, East West Center (education and research organization established by the U.S. Congress in 1960 to strengthen relations between Asia, the Pacific, and the United States) (since 2020)
• North America Regional Facilitator, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (since 2020)

Education

• Master of Science (MSc), Development 
• Studies, University of London, School of
• Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)


• Bachelor of Arts, International
• Relations, Tufts University

Mr. Dahl has significant leadership, strategy, audit and risk-management expertise. He has in-depth experience in corporate transformation and restructuring, and in driving improved corporate governance and shareholder engagement. His experiences working in Hawaii and on the U.S. mainland, and in banking and the electric utility industry, bring valuable perspective to the Board.

Under Mr. Dahl’s leadership, Dole Food Company invested in a number of sustainability initiatives that secured external recognition. Dole was named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Magazine, and undertook a carbon offset program to secure a carbon neutral operating footprint.

Professional experience

• Interim Chief Executive Officer, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (formerly known as DineEquity) (3/1/17 – 9/15/17) (franchisor of over 3000 Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants)
• President and Chief Operating Officer (2004-2007) and Chief Operating Officer (2002-2004), Dole Food Company
• President and Chief Operating Officer, Bank of Hawaii Corporation (1981-2002)
• Ernst & Young (1973-1981)

Public company boards

• Dine Brands Global, Inc. (formerly known as DineEquity) (since 2004); Non-Executive Chairman (since 2017)
• IDACORP (since 2008) (currently decommissioning/divesting ownership of its coal plants)

Past public company boards

Non-Executive Chairman, International Rectifier Corporation (2008-2015) (leading manufacturer and distributor of power management semi-conductors and researcher in battery storage)

Other positions

• Non-Executive Chairman, James Campbell Company, LLC (privately held real estate investment and development company), Executive Chair, President and CEO (2010-2016)
• Director, Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (HEI subsidiary)

Education

Bachelor of Science, University of Idaho

Ms. Flores is a recognized business leader. She currently serves as CEO and Vice Chair of L&L Franchise, Inc. which has 210 restaurants across the country and in Japan. She is responsible for setting the strategic vision of the company and driving new growth initiatives. She has been instrumental in developing key partnerships to expand the L&L brand, strengthening the brand across markets and implementing national revenue generating programs for the franchises.

Prior to joining L&L, Ms. Flores worked for over 8 years at General Electric Company (GE) where she began as a corporate auditor responsible for significant audit and process improvements at GE Aviation, GE Corporate and overseas at GE Capital Interbanca (formerly an Italian Financial Services company). As Senior Finance Manager for the West Region of GE’s Power Generation Services, she oversaw a portfolio of assets with an annual revenue in excess of $750 million. Due to her ability to drive significant process improvements, deliver on financial commitments and support the West Region in exceeding targets, Ms. Flores was awarded the 2010 Contemporary Leadership Award by GE.

Ms. Flores’ business acumen and innovation make her a valuable addition to the Board. She was named Business Leader of the Year by Pacific Business News in 2020 and 2021. Her knowledge and sensitivities to Hawaii’s unique business and government environment also provide significant value.

Professional experience

• Chief Financial Officer, L&L Franchise, Inc. (2014 to July 2019)
• Senior Finance Manager, General Electric Company, Energy Sector (2010-2014)
• Corporate Auditor, General Electric Company, Corporate Sector (2008-2010)

RELEVANT SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Executive leadership, strategic planning and financial oversight from serving as CEO and CFO of L&L Franchise, a national franchisor, where she developed and implemented innovative marketing concepts resulting in measurable company gains.
• Financial oversight and board leadership experience as Chair of the ASB Audit Committee since 2019.
• Notable financial and corporate audit experience as Senior Finance Manager and Corporate Auditor at General Electric Company where she received the 2010 Contemporary Leadership Award.

Other positions

• Director, Hawaii Pacific Health (one of Hawaii’s largest health care systems, with a network of four hospitals, nearly 25 outpatient centers and 1,100-plus physicians on four islands), Chair, Finance Committee
• Director, American Savings Bank (HEI Subsidiary)

Education

Bachelor of Science, University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business and Executive MBA from the University of Los Angeles, Anderson School of Management

Ms. Fowler’s position as Chief Executive Officer of a NYSE-listed public utility company imparts significant industry, operations, leadership and management expertise to the Board.

Ms. Fowler has deep environmental and renewable energy expertise. During Ms. Fowler’s tenure as CEO, PGE made the strategic decision to reduce use of oil and coal, and has been ranked #1 on multiple occasions for selling more renewable power to residential customers than any other U.S. utility. Under Ms. Fowler’s leadership, wind and solar projects were constructed and integrated into the PGE grid.

Professional experience

35 years of executive leadership, senior officer and operating positions, PGE

Public company boards

Umpqua Holdings Corp. (since 2009, Chairman 2012-present) (bank holding company)

past public company boards

Portland General Electric (2006-2012)

Other positions

• Director and committee member, Cambia Health Solutions (not-for-profit health insurer) (since 2005)
• Director, PGE Foundation (since 1997)
• Director, Portland Branch of Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (2007-2011)

Education

• Public Utility Executive Program, University of Idaho and University of Michigan
• Bachelor of Science, Chemistry and Bachelor of Science, Math, George Fox University

Mr. Kāne is a well-respected leader in the State of Hawaii and brings extensive leadership and a deep understanding of Hawaii's cultural, business and political environment to the Board.

His career has been distinguished by his leadership of significant private and public trusts, including his current role as Chief Executive Officer of Hawaii Community Foundation, Hawaii's largest and oldest Foundation, his service as a Trustee of the largest land trust in the state of Hawaii, Kamehameha Schools, a private school system established under the will of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop to educate Native Hawaiians and his prior role as Chairman/Director of the State of Hawaii Department of Hawaiian Homelands.

He is skilled in government affairs, policy development, public relations, and crisis management through his service as Chairman/Executive Director of the Hawaii Republican Party.

Relevant professional experience

• President and Chief Executive Officer, Hawaii Community Foundation (statewide charitable foundation, managing over $675 million in assets and distributing more than $62 million in grants in 2018) (since July 2017)
• President and Chief Operating Officer, Hawaii Community Foundation (2016 to June 2017)
• Chief Operating Officer, Pacific Links Hawaii LLC (golf course owner, developer and operator) (2011-2015)
• Principal, The KANE Group LLC (Hawaii-based company focused on land and financing matters for planned community infrastructure and general business development)(since 2010)
• Kamehameha Schools ($12 billion Native Hawaiian trust with more than 397,000 acres of land holdings in Hawaii), Trustee (since 2009).

Relevant skills & qualifications

• Executive management, leadership and strategic planning skills from prior service as Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Links Hawaii and Trustee of Kamehameha Schools and from prior role as Chairman/Director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
• Finance and investment expertise gained through oversight of $10 billion asset portfolio as Trustee of Kamehameha Schools and through spearheading bond transactions as Chairman/Director of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
• Experience managing complex capital expenditure programs from overseeing development of master planned communities and from managing annual $150 million capital improvement budget for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
• Skilled in government affairs, policy development, public relations and crisis management from prior service as Chairman/Executive Director of the Hawaii Republican Party.

Other positions

• Director, Na Ku Pa'a O Kūhiō, not for profit focused on supporting the beneficiaries of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act.
• Chairman, Menlo College Board of Trustees

Education

• Master of Business Administration, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
• Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration, Menlo College

Mr. Kennedy has a unique mix of experience leading multiple fintech companies, combined with a decade-plus as an executive at or consultant to large US Based banks and financial institutions.

Most recently Mr. Kennedy has led numerous Fintechs from early stage, through rapid growth, to successful sale. His first startup, which he founded and led as CEO, was the Zelle Payments Network, formerly clearXchange.  Mr. Kennedy grew this from an idea to the largest person to person digital payments network in the world, eventually selling the company. Subsequently, Mr. Kennedy became the CEO of Interstellar, revolutionizing international payments using blockchain technology. Interstellar was acquired by Velo Labs, where he stayed on as the CEO of the combined organization.

As a banker, Mr. Kennedy was an Executive Vice President at Wells Fargo and Company. During his seven years at Wells Fargo he led Payments Strategy, Innovation, and Wealth Management Strategy and Implementation. This diversity of roles gave him both breadth and depth of banking knowledge. He was able to jump start this banking career through six years with McKinsey and Company’s financial services practice, advising C-suite executives on critical strategic and operational decisions.

This combination of experience with traditional banks, technology-driven Fintechs, and operational expertise required of a CEO makes Mr. Kennedy an invaluable addition to the board.

Relevant professional experience

• Chief Executive Officer, Velo Labs (2021-2022)
• Chief Executive Officer, Interstellar (2019-2021) – Acquired by Velo Labs
• President, North America, OFX (2017-2019)

Within three major financial institutions, Mr. Russell served as an executive and/or Director and held domestic and international positions in all areas of banking, finance, capital markets and risk management. He has served on numerous panels on corporate governance and strategic direction.

Mr. Russell’s years of executive leadership experience in financial service operations, particularly as an executive officer of a major lender to the electric utility industry, contribute invaluable expertise to the Board. His prior service as Chief Risk Officer of a large financial institution strengthens the Board’s risk management capabilities.

Professional experience

• Vice Chair/Chief Risk Officer, Mellon Financial Corp (1991-2001)
• President and Chief Operating Officer, Glendale Federal Bank (1983-1991)
• Senior Vice President, Security Pacific Corporation (1974-1983)

Public company boards

Sunstone Hotel Investors (since 2003)

Past public company boards

Nationwide Health Properties (2002-2011)

Other positions

• Director, KBS Growth and Income REIT
• Director, American Savings Bank (HEI subsidiary)
• Director, ASB Hawaii (HEI subsidiary) (2014-2016)

Education

• Master of Arts, Northwestern University
• Bachelor of Arts, University of Washington

Ms. Otani brings a wealth of experience both national and international related to corporate finance, risk management and commercial and investment banking. She has 27 years of leadership experience at one of the world's largest consumer banking institutions. She has extensive knowledge in the area of risk management from serving for 10 years as Senior Credit Officer at Citibank's global commercial and investment bank and serving on the Executive Committee of the Risk Management Association (New York).

At the height of the financial crisis in 2009, Ms. Otani advised some of the nation’s most prestigious financial services companies on multiple aspects of risk and regulatory compliance while serving as managing director of a global financial consulting firm.

As banking risk management has developed, Ms. Otani has been a sought-after leader. She is currently a partner providing a key advisory role for a cutting-edge financial risk management software company focused on innovative scenario-driven strategic business planning, capital and liquidity optimization, stress testing and risk management.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Managing Director, Promontory Financial Group (a global consulting firm that advises clients on a variety of financial services matters, including regulatory issues, compliance, risk management, liquidity, restructuring, acquisitions, due diligence, internal investigations and cyber security) (2009-2018)
• Managing Director and Co-Head, Business Development and Global Relationship Banking, Citibank (2000-2009)
• Senior Credit Officer, Commercial and Investment Banking, Citibank (1990-2000)
• Manager, Corporate Finance Group, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Citibank (1982-1990)

Other positions

• Director, American Savings Bank (HEI subsidiary) Member, Board of Governors of the Risk Management Association of New York
• Director, U.S. Japan Council (educational organization that contributes to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations), Chair, Audit Committee

Education

• Bachelor of Arts, East Asian Studies/History, Barnard College, Columbia University
• Master of Business Administration, Finance, New York University

Mr. Scilacci has significant leadership and operational management experience through serving as CFO of Edison International, a publicly-traded company whose market cap increased substantially during Mr. Scilacci’s tenure. He has extensive experience communicating with Wall Street analysts, investors, and rating agencies and has demonstrated a strong track record of considerable shareholder value creation.

Mr. Scilacci’s track record of success is highlighted by his recognition as one of the top CFOs in the electric utility sector by a 2017 Institutional Investor survey of investors and sell-side analysts.

Professional experience

• Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Edison Mission Energy (competitive generation subsidiary of Edison International) (2005-2008)
• Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, then Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Southern California Edison Company (subsidiary of Edison International and one of the largest electric utilities in the U.S.) (2000-2005)
• Assistant Treasurer, Southern California Edison (1993-1996)
• Manager, Corporate Finance and Financial Analyst, Southern California Edison (1984-1993)

Other positions

Director, QF Resources Southern California Edison (1995-2000)

Education

• Master of Business Administration, Santa Clara University
• Bachelor of Arts, University of California, Los Angeles