John De Fries ’69
John De Fries was appointed as president and chief executive officer of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) on September 16, 2020. HTA is the State of Hawai‘i agency responsible for strategically managing state support of the tourism industry.
Born in Waikīkī, De Fries was raised there by family elders steeped in Hawaiian culture. He has more than 40 years of professional experience in the tourism and resort development industries, recently as executive director of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association. He is also president and principal advisor for Native Sun Business Group, a consulting firm focused on Hawai‘i’s hospitality and real estate development industries.
De Fries previously led the Department of Research and Development for the County of Hawai‘i, stimulating economic growth in tourism, agriculture and renewable energy, and served as president and CEO of Hōkūli‘a, a luxury residential community on Hawai‘i Island.
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De Fries previously led the Department of Research and Development for the County of Hawai‘i, stimulating economic growth in tourism, agriculture and renewable energy, and served as president and CEO of Hōkūli‘a, a luxury residential community on Hawai‘i Island.
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