Our Team
Passionate about growing our regenerative regional food system
We are dedicated to supporting local farmers, ranchers, backyard growers, and local food entrepreneurs to strengthen the local food economy and uplift the communities of Hawai'i. We love providing our customers and food program participants with the freshest local and naturally grown foods. Mahalo nui loa for your support!
Meet the Team
Executive Director
Maya Parish
Maya has been directing Kohala Food Hub since November 2021. Prior to that, Parish supported local agricultural initiatives on the island for many years through producing and directing workshop series, videos and events, including 'Ä€ina Lessons and 'Ä€ina Fest with HIP Agriculture. She has gratefully called North Kohala home since 2013. Maya has worked extensively as a community organizer and has served on North Kohala’s CDP Advisory Group, and as co-chair of the CDP Agricultural sub-group. Previous employment includes Operations Manager of Escape Hatch, LLC, Programs Manager at Kohala Institute at ‘Iole, Teacher with Keiki Yoga Kohala, Teaching Artist at The Unusual Suspects, and CareActor with Kaiser Permanente.
Operations Director
Sandra Romer
Hailing from Ireland originally, Sandra leads operations for the Kohala Food Hub and has an extensive operations background in both the non-profit & for-profit sectors. She previously served as the Director of Operations for the Legacy Reef Foundation, growing coral at NELHA on the Big Island.
Prior to that, she held a range of roles in procurement & commodity management, had her own mobile food business, worked in the home automation field and has even been a bike messenger in Australia. She counts herself very lucky to have resided in multiple states in the US and a few global countries too. Sandra loves to stay active with her Big Island community, hiking & biking and trying to get in the ocean every day.
Manager
Travis Travers
Travis is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in hospitality, retail management, and sales. Originally from Alaska, he has recently made North Kohala his home, residing on a family horse ranch for the past 1.5 years. His time in Kohala has been dedicated to working with animals, tending to gardens, and stewarding the land.
Prior to his move to Hawaii, Travis spent a decade honing his skills in the hospitality industry, progressing to the role of general manager at a restaurant and bar establishment. During the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Travis pivoted to managing a retail store and later transitioned to a role as a sales and distribution manager in the wholesale business sector.
Associate
Nick Quinn
Nick is a Kohala High School Graduate and proud to call Kohala his home. From a young age, Nick has worked
many jobs that were service-oriented; from educating youth on ocean
safety and sciences, to working with state and federal agencies to
protect our island from wildfire, to tutoring his fellow classmates in high
school to further their success, he's always worked to see my community thrive. With experience in agriculture, retail, construction, hospitality, and education, Nick is a multifaceted worker who places emphasis on giving back to Kohala through his efforts, and on the importance of farmers for community health and sustainability.
Administrative Assistant
Tanica Gaspar
Originally from Kaua’i, and now a proud Kohala resident, Tanica began volunteering weekly at the Kohala Food Hub and has since joined the team in an Administrative Assistant role. She’s passionate about supporting her local community and ensuring everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food. Outside of work, Tanica loves cooking and baking, especially when she can incorporate locally grown and produced ingredients so she can share her love for great food with others.
Marketing & Communications
Jesse Rubendall
Jesse brings years of experience in digital marketing, brand development, communications, and project management. Before moving to Kohala in 2021, Jesse supported the launch of several startup companies through his creativity and proficiency in brand strategy. Following his heart, Jesse and his wife transitioned to life on the Big Island to pursue their passion of regenerative agriculture. Through his work in local agriculture, Jesse connected with us and has consulted with Kohala Food Hub since 2023. He currently runs our email marketing, social media, web design and communications.
Associate
Carl Rich
Carl is dedicated to connecting local producers to local families through his work at Kohala Food Hub. As an Eagle Scout, he brings a strong commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement. His passion for sustainability and access to fresh, locally sourced produce fuels his dedication to our organization's mission. Through his role, Carl finds fulfillment in bridging the gap between farmers and the community, ensuring that nutritious food reaches those who need it most. He is proud to contribute to a more resilient local food system and to support the people who make it possible.
Da Bux Ambassador
Jordan Swan Travers
Jordan recently moved back to North Kohala after spending a few years living in Alaska. Having grown up in North Kohala, she returned with a renewed commitment and appreciation to the land and community. She manages a horse ranch and small farm in Hawi, creating a safe and welcoming space for local families and their horses. Passionate about contributing to Kohala’s journey toward greater food self-sufficiency, she is eager to expand into small-scale farming, regenerative grazing, food forests, and pasture-raised eggs—all focused on providing fresh, locally grown food for her family and community.
