Meet Our Staff — Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

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Elizabeth Fien

Elizabeth is the first to hold the position of President & CEO 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 & Outreach Coordinator, Director of Development and Executive Director.
Elizabeth brings to the FHVNP a 25 year track record of successful leadership, management and fundraising. She 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.”
Elizabeth lives in the Discovery Harbour subdivision and enjoys spending time with her son, daughter and 2 grandsons. She is passionate about the park, forest restoration and in her spare time enjoys fiction writing, designing, and making jewelry.

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Michelle Mayer

Michelle Mayer brings a thoughtful blend of creativity, hands-on experience, and a deep respect for the natural world to her role with Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, she has long been drawn to both artistic expression and community-centered work.
As the owner of an art photography business, Michelle’s work was exhibited at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and Roswell Park Cancer Institute, reflecting her keen eye for detail and her appreciation for the beauty and complexity of natural environments. Her artistic background continues to show in how she observes and connects with the landscapes around her.
In addition to office management, Michelle’s professional experience also includes fine jewelry retail, where she specialized in custom design and client services, as well as roles in property management, property inspections, and customer service.
Michelle is honored to support the mission of Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, contributing to efforts that preserve, protect, and enhance the unique natural and cultural resources of the park, while fostering meaningful connections between the community and this remarkable place.

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Ellen Quier

After her first trip to Hawaii in 2006 she knew this is where she wanted to call home. Ellen moved from Pennsylvania to the Big Island in 2010. Ellen and her husband, Sterling reside in the home they built in Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos. Prior to moving to Hawaii, Ellen spent 25 years working in a financial analyst role in multiple industries, from publishing, medical device company, food distribution, medical care, and transportation. She also served as a real estate tax collector and treasurer for a cemetery. Ellen previously worked part-time with the Friends in 2011-2012. Most recently, she was a data analyst at West Hawaii Community Health Center for the past 3-1/2 years. In her free time, Ellen enjoys golf and exploring the island with their Rhodesian Ridgeback, Dexter.

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Lynette Smith

Lynette Smith joined the Friends as their Executive Administrative Assistant in April of 2016. Lynette brings a wealth of experience in front office management, accounting, sales and administration. Lynette is a long time resident of Hawai’i (over 30 years), and lives in Mountain View with her husband and daughter. Lynette loves hiking, and if you are out and about in the park, don’t be surprised if you find her on one of the many park trails.

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Ab Kawainohoikala‘i Valencia

Kumu hula Hālau Hula Kalehuaki‘eki‘eika‘iu ma Honolulu a me Kīlauea Ab passed away in 2017, but he will always be a part of the Friends! If you wish to do an honorarium for Kumu, those donations will go to rebuilding the Hale at the pa hula.

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David (Hunter) Binkley

Born and raised in the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, Hunter grew up with a deep reverence for the outdoors, nurtured by his father—a skilled hunter and outdoorsman who taught him the art of careful observation and a respect for nature. That early connection to the land sparked a lifelong curiosity about the world and the stories it holds.
Since moving to Hawai‘i, he has devoted himself to helping others connect with the island’s remarkable landscapes. His career began in tourism, where he led stargazing adventures to the summit of Mauna Kea and later guided visitors through the dynamic terrain of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. It was in the presence of the volcano that he discovered a calling to connect people with the natural world through hands-on learning.
As Institute Director, Hunter oversees our flagship Institute on Demand program, develops partnerships with local businesses and communities, and leads outreach through our social media platforms. Drawing on his experience as a guide, educator, and nonprofit professional, he is helping to grow a unique program that brings the transformative power of the park to learners from around the world. His work also supports the broader mission of our philanthropic organization, which advances conservation and a wide variety of projects around the park.
He is also a passionate storyteller, a dedicated father, and a lifelong learner. When he’s not working, he enjoys chess, football, and exploring the island with his two young sons, Forest and Malcolm, who keep him curious, grounded, and always ready for the next adventure.

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TBD

Coming soon.

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Kelly Kaupu

Coming soon.

A narrow dirt trail crossing a dense green forest with tall trees and lush vegetation.

TBD

Coming soon.

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Novi Czyscon

Novi Czyscon born and raised in St. Paul, MN, and moved to Hawaii in 2019. Ever since, she has been cultivating an appreciation for the island and the forests that grow there. As an aspiring conservationist, the Guardian of the Trails program propels her to learn about the native forest of Hawai’i, and the multitude of unique endemic plants. Novi appreciates getting outdoors and giving back to the ʻāina through her work.

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Mardani P Sugai

Mardani P Sugai was born on Oahu, then shortly moved to the Big Island and grew up in the distric of Ka’ū. She is an artist, gamer, guitarist, and conservationist. She attended schools that incorporated conservation throughout her education. She graduated from Volcano School of Art and Sciences and went straight into working as a Youth Ranger at Hawai’i Volcano’s National Park in Natural Resource Management. She is a proud member of the Guardians of the Trails and enjoys protecting the ‘āina, and aspires to create a business for her illustrations in the future.

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Kelson Gallano

Kelson was born and raised on Hawaiʻi island in the district of Ka’ū. He graduated from Ka’ū High School and Hawai’i Community College. His favorite sports are football, swimming, soccer and volleyball. He is an aspiring digital artist, tattoo artist and engraver. Kelson loves working for Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; he enjoys the work that keeps him fit and brings a better understanding the importance of the work.

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Everett-Jace Ayap

Everett was born in Hilo and raised in Keaau. Growing up in a Filipino family, he loves the foods adobo and sinigang. He has 9 years of robotic experience through his high school. After high school, he opted to work with the Youth Ranger program in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. After his summer internship in the park, he began his role with the Guardians of the Trail program. As an aspiring wood worker and lover of volcanoes, he feels at home working on Kilauea and with FHVNP.

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Waylon Velez

Waylon was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawai’i in the district of Ka’ū. He graduated from Ka’ū High and Pahala Elementary School. His favorite hobbies are mechanics, drawing, playing musical instruments and going to the beach. The Guardians of the trail program has taught him the importance of conservation and the ʻāina.

A man wearing glasses, a gray hat, a gray t-shirt with 'Guardians of the Trails' written on it, and a beard, smiling at the camera. Behind him is a colorful wall art depicting multiple figures in a vintage style.

Conner Dube

Conner is passionate about caring for Hawaii’s native landscapes and wildlife. After moving to the Big Island, he joined Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National park to help protect and restore the park’s unique ecosystems. With experience in horticulture and sustainable agriculture, Conner enjoys being hands on in the field and learning more about the native plants and animals that make this place so special.

Interested in joining our team?

Make a difference and support our mission 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.

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Our Staff

Our staff works alongside the National Park Service to protect and preserve Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, helping everyone enjoy and connect with this special place, today and for generations to come.

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