Maui Mayor Richard Bissen Announces Executive Leadership Changes, Names New Chief of Staff

Maui News

WAILUKU Mayor Richard Bissen announced changes to his leadership team on Tuesday, aimed at expanding his administration’s renewable energy footprint while reorganizing the structure of the Mayor’s Office and Office of Economic Development (OED).

Effective today, October 1, 2024, Cynthia Lallo will assume the role of Chief of Staff, overseeing Mayor Bissen’s staff on the 9th floor of the Kalana O Maui Building and the OED staff at One Main Plaza in Wailuku.

Lallo has served on Mayor Bissen’s Cabinet as his Senior Executive Assistant since taking office in January 2023. Prior to joining the Mayor’s leadership team, Lallo served as President of her private consulting firm offering executive leadership and organizational training services focusing on transition management, leadership and team development, grant writing and oversight, strategic planning, capacity building, revenue diversification, and fundraising and development. Lallo also brings extensive executive management experience, specializing in team building, systems management, event planning and corporate communications.

Lallo holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern Oregon University and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).

Former Chief of Staff Leo Caires will retire to focus more on short- and long-term strategies to advance and support clean energy initiatives in Maui County as Mayor of Energy Commissioner. Caires will be responsible for leading the county’s transition to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“I want to thank Cynthia for taking on this leadership role and Mahalo, Leo, for taking on key responsibilities as our new Energy Commissioner.” – said Mayor Bissen. “As we overcome the unique challenges facing our three-island county, I will rely on Leo to lead us toward wisely using our energy resources while supporting sustainability and resilience for the benefit of future generations.”

General information about the Mayor’s Office can be found at https://www.mauicounty.gov/mayor.