Hawai'i Coffee Association Appoints New Executive Director as it Plans for the Future of the State's Coffee Industry – CoffeeTalk

In January, members of the Hawaiʻi Coffee Association engaged in a 3-day strategic planning session facilitated by Lee Safar from Map It Forward. This session aimed to clarify the direction of the association and the coffee industry as a whole. Hawaiʻi Coffee Association President Ryson Nakamasu expressed enthusiasm about the board’s alignment and commitment to serving the coffee community, emphasizing that successful execution of their plans would require dedicated leadership.

The meeting concluded with the appointment of Abigail Munoz from Monarch Coffee as the new executive director. The board unanimously elected Munoz, whom Nakamasu praised for her enthusiasm, passion, and expertise, deeming her the ideal candidate as the industry transitions into a new era of specialty coffee within the global market.

Munoz highlighted the unique aspects of Hawaiʻi coffee, attributing its special quality to the people involved—farmers, families, innovators, and volunteers. She expressed deep gratitude for her new role, stating that the Hawaiʻi Coffee Association has been a significant part of her life, shaping her coffee journey through relationships built within the community.

She is particularly excited about fostering collaboration within the coffee community and supporting ongoing initiatives across the state. Munoz noted that the association has historically served as a venue for farmers, businesses, researchers, and partners to exchange ideas and reinforce each other’s efforts to advance Hawaiʻi coffee.

Additionally, she is motivated by the recently developed strategic plan and anticipates playing a pivotal role in executing this vision. Munoz affirmed her commitment to connect resources that will foster success within Hawaiʻi’s coffee community, expressing her honor in receiving the board’s trust and her eagerness to work alongside such a dedicated group. Through her leadership, Munoz aims to enhance Hawaiʻi’s reputation as a premier coffee origin, showcasing the exceptional care and craftsmanship evident in the coffee produced across the islands.

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