The Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (FHVNP) has selected Elizabeth Fien as Executive Director.
Fien will be responsible for implementation and oversight of all aspects of the nonprofit group’s operation, including conservation, stewardship, development, external relations, governance, and general management. She will also will lead the organization as it prepares for the celebration of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s 100th anniversary in 2016.
Fien is the first to hold the Executive Director position for the Friends. FHVNP was previously managed by an all-volunteer board of directors. She has been with the organization since 2012 and previously served as its Education & Development Coordinator and Director of Development.
Since her tenure with FHVNP, Fien has doubled the organization’s income, obtained over $140,000 in grants, and formed a partnership with the Volcano House Hotel providing educational tours of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. She also established significant financial support from the Geist Foundation and several other foundations for the park’s Youth Ranger Internship program.
Fien brings to the FHVNP a 20-year track record of successful leadership, management and fundraising. Fien spent the early part of her career in legal health care management with Rocky Mountain Health Care Corporation in Denver. After moving to Hawai‘i in 1995, she worked as a non-profit consultant raising funds for Bridge House, Friends of Waimanalo Library, and the Waimanalo Health Center, where she served as Board President from 2007-2009.
“I am humbled and honored to help lead and collaborate on the important work that lies ahead for the Friends – an organization that has made such a difference to all of us who love Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and this part of Hawai‘i,” Fien said. “With ambitious goals to engage more youth in the park, balance the visitor experience and use with resource protection, and strengthen community involvement and support, the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is an exciting place to be as we approach the park’s centennial. “
A 20-year resident of Hawai‘i with six years in Volcano, Fien has a deep passion for Hawai‘i youth, geography and conservation. She has been a foster parent in Hawai‘i for 17 years and has two adopted children.
Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is an independent nonprofit organization located in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Our mission is to support the National Park Service in the protection, preservation, and interpretation of the natural and cultural resources at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park for the enjoyment of current and future generations. Since 2009, FHVNP has provided over $700,000 in support of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park programs and projects such as forest restoration, Youth Ranger Internship Program, Junior Ranger Program, Digital Mountain Film Festival, Climate Change Exhibit, and more.