Mayor Bissen announces changes in executive leadership

Mayor Richard Bissen today announced changes in his executive leadership team, designed to enhance his administration's reach in renewable energy while reorganizing the structure of the Office of the Mayor and the Office of Economic Development (OED).

Effective today, Oct. 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 as well as OED staff at One Main Plaza in Wailuku.

Lallo has served on Mayor Bissen's executive cabinet as his Senior Executive Assistant since he took office in January 2023. Before joining Mayor's leadership team, Lallo served as President of her private consulting business offering executive leadership and organizational training services focused on transitional management, leadership and team development, grant writing and oversight, strategic planning, capacity building, revenue diversification, and fundraising and advancement. Lallo also brings extensive executive management experience, specializing in team building, systems management, event planning and corporate communications.

Lallo has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Southern Oregon University and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).

Former Chief of Staff Leo Caires will be transitioning to strengthen focus on short- and long-term strategies to develop and support clean-energy initiatives in Maui County as Mayor's Energy Commissioner. Caires will be responsible for driving the County's transition to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"I would like to thank Cynthia for assuming this leadership role, and mahalo, Leo, for taking on crucial tasks as our new Energy Commissioner," Mayor Bissen said. "As we navigate the unique challenges of our tri-isle county, I will be leaning on Leo to lead us toward harnessing our energy resources wisely, while fostering sustainability and resilience for the benefit of generations to come."

For general information on the Office of the Mayor, visit https://www.mauicounty.gov/mayor.