Executive Profiles
Scott Rasak, Executive President
rasak@hawaii.edu
Originally from Los Angeles, California, Scott Rasak is a Senior at the University of Hawaii majoring in Marketing. He has been involved with the American Marketing Association at UH Manoa for two years and has served on the executive board for three consecutive semesters. Scott is returning as President for his final semester at UH Manoa where he will also be working part-time at the Pacific Aviation Museum in Pearl Harbor, one of the major tourist attractions in Hawaii, as the Marketing Assistant. The Museum has offered Scott a full time position upon his graduation. After working in the tourism industry, Scott plans on applying to the JET program and going to Japan to teach English and travel Asia. His ultimate career goal is to be engaged in international business, particularly with Asia, focusing on the import/export industry. In 2005, Scott worked for Brand 33, an advertising and branding agency in Los Angeles, California. In 2008, he worked for the University of Hawaii student newspaper, “Ka Leo,” and authored full print sports articles. When he’s not studying or working, you can find Scott in the ocean enjoying the waves or hunting the reefs.
Chris Erice, Executive Vice President
cerice@hawaii.edu
As the Executive Vice President of AMA, Chris oversees the duties of other AMA vice presidents. He coordinates recruitment efforts and serves as the liaison between AMA and AMA alumni. He also manages the AMA membership base and submits member information to AMA International Headquarters. Chris has been involved with AMA for the past two semesters serving as VP of Finance. Chris graduated from Moanalua High School and is now pursing a double major in Management Information Systems and Finance at the University of Hawaii. He then plans to earn an MBA to help him achieve his career goal of working for a Fortune 500 company, utilizing his skills in finance and information technology. Chris is a member of the honor societies Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Theta Kappa. Prior to joining the AMA Executive Board, Chris worked as an accountant for the technology start up company Ezrez Software. He later worked for Stephen Callo, CPA as a Junior Accountant. While attending UH Manoa, he was a teaching assistant for the Programming Application Systems course and interned for the Boeing Company as a Project Manager in Seattle, Washington.
Sharyn Suekawa, VP of Finance
ssuekawa@hawaii.edu
As the Vice President of Finance, Sharyn manages the finances of the organization. She is responsible for reconciling financial accounts, paying and filing taxes, creating and monitoring budgets, maintaining the chapter’s non-profit status with the federal and local government, and ensuring the overall financial health of the organization. Sharyn graduated from Mid Pacific Institute and is now pursuing a BBA in Marketing at the University of Hawaii. She then plans on earning her MBA, learn French, and work in marketing or creative services. She eventually would like to pursue a career in advertising, travel Europe and Asia, and settle down in Hawaii. She participated in the National Student Exchange program at California State University Northridge. Sharyn is currently involved with Hawaii Public Television where she volunteers her time in the creative services and promotional development departments. In the past, she volunteered at Project Angel Food, Hawaii Food Bank, YMCA Health Kids Day, H.U.G.S., and Aids Walk in Los Angeles. Sharyn interned at Merrill Lynch in Summer 2009 as a marketing intern and is currently working at Macys.
Katie Decker, VP of Fundraising
kdecker@hawaii.edu
As the Vice President of Fundraising, Katie coordinates programs and events to generate funds for AMA. She is responsible for setting fundraising goals and organizing a strategy to meet or exceed those expectations. She also works with the VP of Finance to integrate the projected revenue with the anticipated expenditures. Katie has been involved with AMA since Spring 2009. Katie graduated from Fairport High School in New York and earned associates degrees in both Liberal Arts and Business from Monroe Community College. Katie is now pursuing a BBA in Marketing at the University of Hawaii. Upon graduating, she hopes to become an executive in brand management and advertising for Lancôme in New York City while continuing her education, working towards an MBA in Marketing. She is currently working as a freelance makeup artist for Lancôme where she works with celebrity makeup artists from around the US promoting the brand and giving personal client consultations. In 2006, she volunteered at Maplewood Estates, a retirement community in NY, where she planned, organized, and worked a fundraising event for a family in need. She earned a Service Learning distinction last year for fulfilling more than 220 hours of service learning at Monroe Community College working with their Campus Association for Student Activities. With all of her past marketing experience, she will have much to offer to AMA and looks forward to planning this semester’s Climax.
Tyler K.T. Kruse, VP of Promotions
tkkruse@hawaii.edu
As the Vice President of Promotions, Tyler produces and designs promotional materials including flyers, posters, tickets, T-shirts, and other media for recruitment or promotional events. He also maintains the AMA-UHM website, online calendar, MySpace/Facebook account, bulletin board, and display board. Tyler has been involved with AMA since Spring 2007 and has served as the VP of Promotions for numerous semesters. He graduated from Waimea High School, and is currently pursing a BBA in Marketing at the University of Hawaii. Upon graduation, Tyler hopes to have a successful career in advertising or promotions. He also aspires to open a Hawaii themed night club in Las Vegas. In 2002, Tyler worked as a screen printer for Paradise Sports Wear. Then in 2003-2005, he occasionally worked as a prep cook for Pomodoro Ristorante. He also worked as an ICS 101 Teaching Assistant and as a tutor at Dole Middle School. He has been part of the Peer Education Program and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) where he was recognized as a state finalist in the DECA Competition.
Ayako Ishiwari, VP of Programs
ishiwari@hawaii.edu
Native Japanese resident, Ayako Ishiwari is the current Vice President of Programs. She is a Marketing major originally form Japan and attended Kasukabe Kyoei (Japan) & James B. Castle High School. Her responsibilities within the organization include, coordinating programs and events to enhance members’ involvement with the community and to establish the goodwill of AMA-UHM in the community. In addition, Ayako is assists the Vice President of Professional Development in coordinating professional mixers along with company tours, guest speakers, and workshops. Ayako has been a part of the American Marketing Association since Fall 2008 and is now serving on the Executive Board for the first semester. She interns at Innov8 LLC and assists in Marketing research, strategic planning, and product development. When Ayako is not serving on the Executive Board of the American Marketing Association you can find her as an active Beta Beta Gamma Sorority sister or playing piano. She plans on using her first language (Japanese) in her future career endeavors.
Jocelyn Kaku, VP of Professional Development
jkaku@hawaii.edu
As the Vice President of Professional Development, Jocelyn coordinates programs that will help members enhance their professionalism as they prepare to enter the workforce. Working with the VP of Programs, Jocelyn is responsible for organizing company tours, guest speakers, workshops, and professional mixers, which provide members opportunities to interact with professionals and learn about the professional environment. Jocelyn has been involved with AMA since Spring 2009. She graduated from Maryknoll High School and is now pursuing a double major in Marketing and International Business at the University of Hawaii. Jocelyn plans on applying to the JET program and travel Asia after graduation. She then intends to pursue a Japan-focused MBA degree where she would like to get a job in international internet marketing. She has been honored on the Dean’s list in Spring 2009 and received an honorary student speaker award in Spring 2007. Jocelyn has been involved with the Xerox Community Involvement Program and have done volunteer work at the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) labor day telethon. Currently, Jocelyn is a Marketing and Promotions intern at the Polynesian Culture Center where she develops and analyze customer and agent surveys, and work on various company campaigns.
Jessica Pang, VP of Student Relations
pangjess@hawaii.edu
As the Vice President of Student Relations, Jessica coordinates the social activities with the intent of building and maintaining student relationships. She is responsible for coordinating the orientation picnic and organizing an overnight retreat. Her primary goal is to coordinate programs designed to foster teamwork and create a sense of belonging. Jessica joined AMA in Spring 2009 and stood out as an exemplary member, having been a recipient of AMA-UHM’s student scholarship. She graduated from Maryknoll School and is now pursuing a BBA in Marketing at the University of Hawaii and plans to lead an ad agency or integrative marketing firm. She has been honored on the Dean’s List in Spring and Fall 2009 and a recipient of the Pang Society Scholarship in 2004. In the past, Jessica has volunteered at Kuakini Medical Center, Helping Hands, I.H.S., and Palolo Housing. Currently, Jessica is a Marketing Intern at AT Marketing and a Photography Assistant at Expressions Photography.
Zachary K. Wong, VP of Communications
zkwong@hawaii.edu
As the Vice President of Communications, Zach is AMA’s Inter-Business Council (IBC) Senator who serves as the liaison between AMA and IBC. Zach coordinates and conducts all matters related to the IBC and AMA-UHM. He also maintains the chapter’s constitution, correspondence files (e.g. company scholarships), and chapter records of executive board and general membership meeting minutes. Zach joined AMA in Fall 2008 and stood out as an exemplary member. He graduated from Mililani High School and is now at the University of Hawaii pursing a double major in Marketing and International Business with a minor in Japanese. He has also been honored on the Dean’s List for four semesters. After graduation, Zach plans to pursue an MBA in Marketing to help him achieve his dream of creating his own advertising firm. Zach is currently working as a Dell Promotions and Public Relations Representative for Repnation, a company contracted by Dell. Zach had the opportunity to visit Japan three times and home stayed with three different host families. He was also invited to play baseball in the Tsukui International Baseball Tournament on two separate occasions. His experiences in Japan inspired him to learn more about the Japanese language and culture which led to his decision to pursue a minor in Japanese.