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Brian Etheredge – President
Committees: Political Action
Chef Brian Etheredge, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, has dedicated 35 years to the culinary arts, with over 25 years serving the Maui community. As the owner of Cutting Edge Catering, Tails Up Maui and Private Maui Chef, he is renowned for his commitment to excellence. Chef Brian is also a leader beyond the kitchen, serving as President of the Maui Wedding and Event Association, and co-founding both Fresh Help Maui, a nonprofit addressing food insecurity, and Grow Some Good, supporting local agriculture and food education for Maui’s next generation. He is a devoted father of four, husband, and a passionate advocate for the people of Maui.
Darren Keala – Vice President
Committees: Education & Events
Darren Keali’i Keala is a renowned event and wedding designer with over 25 years of experience in the luxury wedding industry. Born and raised in Pukalani, Maui, Darren began his career in 1998, working as a food and beverage manager in hotels and resorts. By 2006, he launched his own business, later co-founding multiple successful wedding, event, and floral design ventures, including a boutique flower shop.
Darren has represented Hawaii at the Hawaii Visitors Bureau convention and spoken at the Hawaii State Travel Association and The WedTech Conference. His work earned him a nomination for a Community Service Award from Hawaii Wedding Style Magazine in 2022.
In 1983, his family was recognized as one of America’s top families and honored at the White House. Darren is also deeply committed to his community, supporting organizations like Women Helping Women, the Maui Aids Foundation, the Maui Health Foundation, and the Pacific Cancer Foundation.
Courtney Cole – Secretary
Courtney is a Maui-born entrepreneur with over 24 years of experience in the bridal fashion and wedding industry. Founder of one of the top 50 Bridal Boutiques in America and Hawaii Flying Dress. She blends expertise and passion to create unforgettable experiences dedicated to empowering and celebrating women.
Kent Rayhill – Treasurer
Committees: Communications
Kent Rayhill is a filmmaker and co-founder of ʻOhana Films with his wife Darlene. Over the last 12+ years Kent and Darlene have filmed over 400 weddings for incredible couples from all over the world. When not filming weddings ʻOhana Films works with a wide range of commercial clients from small local business to global luxury brands. With a passion for crafting compelling narratives, Kent and Darlene have built a reputation for producing high-quality films that resonate deeply with audiences.
Lee Anderson – Board Member at Large
Committees: Political Action & Partnerships, Venues
Chef Lee Anderson is an entrepreneur and the culinary visionary behind the memorable dining experiences at Sugar Beach Events. With a background in fine dining and a deep connection to the beautiful island of Maui, she has been sharing her love of food and elevated experiences here since 2004. Known for her artful presentation and dedication to personalized service, Chef Lee has earned a reputation as the premier full-service event venue on Maui.
Joey Dang – Board Member at Large
Committees: Political Action & Partnerships
Founded in 2007 by Joey Dang, Manutea Nui E—meaning “the growth of the white bird”—is a family-owned entertainment and production company rooted in Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage. What began as a small costume shop has blossomed into a vibrant network of passionate entertainment professionals, all dedicated to showcasing the spirit of our Island home. At Manutea Nui E, we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences for private events, whether it’s an intimate wedding ceremony, a lively reception, or a grand corporate convention.
Josh DeSilva – Board Member at Large
Committees: Membership
President of DeSilva Meeting Consultants DMC (founded in 2003), Josh was raised on Maui and has the relationships and key insider knowledge to open the right doors and roll out the red carpet. Josh has been working with corporate incentive travel in the DMC industry for 32 years and in the hospitality business for over 37. His passion for and knowledge of the islands is complimented by his dedication to ensuring the success of every program. The importance of listening to his customers and delivering on promises is paramount. Josh is currently on the Board of Directors of the Maui Wedding and Event Association, on the Board of Directors of the DMC Network as well as an active member of the planning
committee for various IMUA fundraisers. When Josh isn’t working, he can be found spending time with family, surfing or playing music.
Reverend Julienne Givot – Board Member at Large
Committees: Membership, Education & Events
Reverend Julienne Givot, fondly known as Rev. Jules, is an ordained interfaith minister celebrated for her genuine and heartfelt approach. With over 25 years of experience, she thoughtfully combines her rich background in spiritual studies, counseling, and the arts to create ceremonies as unique and vibrant as the couples and families she serves. She’s devoted to serving her community and engaging with visitors in a way that honors and preserves Hawaiian culture and the sacred place that she is grateful to call home.
Tara Lee Murphy – Board Member at Large
Committees: Membership, Venues
Tara Lee Murphy is an award winning destination wedding and elopement photographer. She was raised on Maui and has been immersed in the tourism industry her whole life. She’s passionate about telling people’s stories by photographing the most incredible day of their lives, their wedding day and the love. She loves to travel, and loves serving her traveling clients. Her work has been published in the New York Times, Destination I do, and Green Wedding Shoes, among others.
Angela Nelson – Board Member at Large
Committees: Communications
Named one of the top 100 photographers in the world, Angela Nelson is a Maui wedding photographer who has lived in Hawaii for over a decade. She specializes in capturing authentic, emotional moments during adventurous weddings and elopements across Hawaii. With a deep love for the island’s natural beauty, Angela creates images that are bold, vibrant, and authentic using a documentary-style approach to the weddings she photographs.
Gabrielle Richter – Board Member at Large
Committees: Political Action & Partnerships
Founder and Principal of Narrative Hawai’i, Gabrielle Richter has dedicated over two decades to the event industry, excelling in roles ranging from planning major international festivals to managing prestigious venues in Canada and Hawai’i. Her leadership was instrumental in the post-pandemic re-opening of Accel Events & Tents, Hawaii’s largest event rental company. She is an active community member, serving on several boards and contributing to local political campaigns.