Ku’ikahi Mediation Center Elects New Directors

Three new directors have been elected to the Ku’ikahi Mediation Center’s Board of Directors. Each of the new members –  Douglass S. Adams, Tracie White, and Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter – will serve a three-year term.

“We are pleased to welcome Doug, Tracie, and Jen to our governing board,” said Ku’ikahi Executive Director Julie Mitchell. “This trio brings a powerhouse of time, talents, and treasures, to our human services agency.”

The three will fill the spots previously held by Lea Cooper, Bruce Larsen, and John Petrella, as well as Sandy Song. who passed away.

Adams, an attorney, a retired lieutenant colonel of the United States Army, and vice chair of W.H. Shipman, Ltd., has been elected as board secretary. As an experienced board and committee member, Adams is also a long-time supporter of dispute resolution services.

The Branch Manager for HPM Building Supply in Hilo, White has a strong background in fundraising, training, marketing, publication, and networking. She has served on a variety of boards and has spent time volunteering for schools and non-profit organizations.

Zelko-Schlueter is the current Director of Governing Relations at Hawai’i Electric Light. She worked previously as an associate attorney for the law firm of Torkildson, Katz, Moore, Hetherington & Harris. Zelko-Schlueter also serves as a CAAP arbitrator and a volunteer at the Hilo Self-Help Center.

Board members currently serving include Aaron Brown, CFO and Project Manager for Sig Zane Designs; Nancy Cabral, owner and manager of Day-Lum Rentals & Management, as well as Coldwell Banker Day-Lum Properties; Cody Frenz,  founding partner of the Laubach & Frenz law firm, Jeri Gertz, director of Harmony On Tap; Norm Kawabata, current treasurer and a retired Hawaii Electric Light human resources administrator; Jeff Melrose, current vice-president and a land use partner; Romy Saquing, consumer-direct product and distribution business owner; and Ku’ikahi president Andrew Wilson, a per diem judge.