Statement on HVCB President and CEO John Monahan Stepping Down

For Immediate Release: December 21, 2023
HTA Release (23-56)

23-56 HTA Statement on John Monahan Announcement.pdf

HONOLULU – Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) Interim President and CEO Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i has issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement by the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) that its longtime president and CEO John Monahan will be stepping down effective Dec. 31, 2023, after serving as the organization’s top leader since 2003.

“With his strong business acumen, John has contributed tremendously to our state over the past two decades by serving the community and supporting our diverse visitor industry. He has successfully managed three main areas as HTA’s contractor, which includes strengthening The Hawaiian Islands brand in North America and beyond, advancing Global MCI group business through Meet Hawai‘i for the meetings, conventions and incentives market, and overseeing the Island Chapters representing the island of Hawai‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i.”

Nāho‘opi‘i added, “John has also been an integral partner of HTA through the state’s various periods of economic revitalization during his tenure, most recently having championed critical efforts in the U.S. market to support Maui’s recovery and the overall state in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank John deeply for everything he has done for the people of Hawai‘i and wish him continued success.”

Tom Mullen, HVCB’s senior vice president and chief operating officer, will serve as interim president and CEO effective Jan. 1, 2024, while maintaining his current duties until a permanent replacement for the position is in place. Monahan will continue to serve as an advisor to HVCB and will be transitioning alongside Mullen through January.