VEIC has bolstered its leadership and capabilities by welcoming Brian Kealoha as the organization’s first Chief Growth and Impact Officer. Based in Honolulu, Hawai’i, Kealoha will bring more than two decades of energy and sustainability experience to oversee business development and communications as VEIC seeks to maximize stakeholder engagement and advance its global impact.

“We are at a pivotal moment in our organization as the critical need for decarbonization solutions has become a global imperative,” said Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Foster. “As we grow our diverse team of highly experienced, motivated, and innovative professionals, we are especially pleased to have Brian join our leadership team. He is a visionary leader with a passion for climate solutions and an unrivaled record of success driving effective energy efficiency programs across a wide range of sectors.”

Kealoha joins VEIC from Leidos where he managed the state of Hawai’i’s energy efficiency program on behalf of the Public Utilities Commission. He and his team achieved numerous energy savings and market transformation goals established for the program as well as receiving the ENERGY STAR partner of the year award in program administration by the EPA. In this role, Kealoha also testified before the United States Senate Subcommittee on Energy on the importance of energy efficiency for rural and low-income communities. His accomplishments further include regional leadership roles with Engie where he was proud to receive a contract for energy efficiency, solar and storage for all 256 public schools in the state of Hawai’i , and additional leadership roles with energy efficiency programs and utilities.

“At a time when climate action is so important, I am excited to join VEIC and their innovative team bringing effective energy solutions for a cleaner future,” said Kealoha. “Being able to drive decarbonization and efficiency at a national level through this position is an amazing opportunity, and I am inspired by the organization’s success and commitment to securing our global energy future.”

Kealoha will remain in Hawai’i to help expand VEIC’s capabilities on a national scale while remaining an active member of the community. He currently serves as a board member for the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Friends of ‘Iolani Palace, ‘Ahahu Koa Ānuenue, and the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce. Kealoha earned his master’s degree in business administration and bachelor’s degree cum laude in economics and marketing from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., and has also completed post-graduate studies at Oxford University.