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, Director of Operations

As Director of Operations 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.

As Director of Communications and Marketing for the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer DeSanctis plays a key role in strengthening the Chamber’s profile in the community by effectively communicating its impact and accomplishments, while enhancing member marketing opportunities and visibility. Jennifer manages the Chamber’s social media, newsletter production, content creation, brand storytelling, and promotional campaigns.

Jennifer earned her Master of Science in Strategic & Digital Communication from Drexel University and her Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Media Studies from Cedar Crest College, where she graduated magna cum laude with minors in Marketing, Business Administration, and Psychology. A published author, she is passionate about leveraging the power of communication to inspire, connect, and create lasting impact.

Since joining the Chamber in October 2025, Jennifer has applied her expertise to lead narrative-driven content creation, visual branding, and digital strategy, fostering authentic engagement and meaningful connections across the Chamber’s diverse membership.

Chamber Staff