Staff - Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, HI

As President and CEO of the Kona-Kohala Chamber, Wendy Laros leads and advocates for a successful business environment in West Hawaiʻi. For the past eight years, she has enhanced strategic initiatives, elevated the Chamber’s voice, and expanded its influence.

Before joining the Chamber staff in 2016, Wendy spent 30 years in Hawai‘i’s ocean tourism industry, gaining firsthand experience in small business operations within a locally owned company. She understands the challenges businesses face in her community, and this fuels her to drive meaningful change.

Wendy is also a firm believer in the power of education and professional development to enrich the lives of individuals, elevate companies, and uplift the entire community.

Education
- Currently enrolled in a graduate program for Strategic Management and Executive Leadership at the Smeal College of Business at the Pennsylvania State University
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Hawaiʻi, Hilo
Professional Credentials
- Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) with the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (A.C.C.E.)
- Accredited Chamber Executive with the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.)
- W.A.C.E. Academy Graduate
Service and Associations
- Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) Board of Directors
- W.A.C.E. Education and Professional Development Committee Chair
- W.A.C.E. Academy Steering Committee member
- W.A.C.E. Academy Instructor - Strategic Planning Course
- Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi Board of Directors
- UH Hilo Community Advisory Board
- Hawaiʻi Community College Advisory Council
- U.S. Army Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA) Advisory Council
- Island of Hawaiʻi Chamber Hui Founding Member
- Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Member
- Hawaiʻi Economic Association Member
Naya Nguyen, Operations Manager

As Operations Manager for the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Naya Nguyen ensures the smooth and professional execution of Chamber operations, events, and member account services. She oversees office systems, manages all aspects of events and member onboarding, and leads select member programs that strengthen the Chamber's mission and impact.

Originally from Hilo, Hawaiʻi, Naya brings a perspective deeply rooted in the island's community, enriching her work with a strong connection to the people and businesses of Hawaiʻi Island.

Naya holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of San Francisco, where she graduated magna cum laude. She also earned a minor in Media Studies and was recognized as a Getty Scholar through the Honors College and the McLaren School of Management Honors Program.

Since joining the Chamber as the Event Coordinator in January 2025, Naya has proven her ability to deliver successful and engaging experiences for members and the community. She has contributed to the Chamber's most visible signature events, such as the Governor's Luncheon, Mayor's Luncheon, and Annual Golf Tournament, as well as the Living & Design Home Expo, Kuleana Green Business Expo, Health & Wellness Expo, and the Chamber's popular monthly AfterHours Networking Events.
Lydia Hoeppner, Account Support

After eight years of full-time employment at the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Lydia Hoeppner has transitioned to a part-time support role. Mahalo to Lydia for her unwavering commitment to our members and the Kona-Kohala Chamber. She remains a strong advocate for dog rescue and volunteers with KARES – Kohala Animal Relocation Education Services – to foster and take dogs to adoption events.

Chamber Staff