Janis Akuna Experience
Skills and characteristics:
- Excellent organizational and leadership abilities; understanding of group dynamics.
- 30 years of investment and finance experience.
- Ability to strategically plan and implement long-term goals.
Business Experience:
- 2002 – Present VICE PRESIDENT, WEALTH ADVISOR
Morgan Stanley
Honolulu, Hawaii
- 1993 – 2001 CHAIRPERSON
Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund (HHRF)
Honolulu, Hawaii
Appointed by Governor Waihee to Chair the Board of Directors to increase availability of homeowners insurance. As directed by legislative action, implemented the creation and the initial start up of the HHRF to provide hurricane insurance. Worked with legislature, insurance industry, reinsurance companies, and general public in creating one of the world’s largest hurricane insurance organizations. As Chair, guided the Board and staff in its direction in developing policies and strategies to fulfill changing hurricane insurance needs in the State. Re-appointed by Governor Cayetano in 1997 to continue as Chairperson.
- 1997 – 2001 BUSINESS & FINANCIAL CONSULTANT
JCA Advisory Services, LLC
Honolulu, Hawaii
Provide consulting in business planning and developing new businesses or business areas, especially in the insurance area. Independent consultant to Cadinha & Co. and to Candon Consulting Group, a business valuations firm.
- 1983 – 1996 PRINCIPAL
(Retired) Cadinha & Co., Inc., Registered Investment Adviser
Honolulu, Hawaii
Developed new investment counseling business to become largest independent in Hawaii (business developed both in State as well as various locations on the Mainland), managed portfolios, and did economic and securities analysis. Registered with SEC as a registered investment adviser. Emphasized long-range planning and business growth by developing three specific phases to achieve various levels of growth. Only member of management team to meet licensing qualifications which allowed Cadinha national registration. Originated idea of managing stock brokerage portfolios with certain minimums. Retired from firm in October 1996. Remained a consultant to the firm until 1998.
- 1978 – 1983 INVESTMENT CONSULTANT & STOCKBROKER
Morgan Stanley
Honolulu, Hawaii
Pioneered institutional money management consulting and monitoring services. Developed proprietary supportive computer programs for evaluating investment portfolios. Worked with institutional accounts as well as individuals in providing investment services. Held SEC Series 7, 31 & 65 securities licenses, and life insurance license.
Education:
- University of California, Davis – Bachelor of Science Degree
- University of Hawaii, Manoa – Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
- Wharton School of Business – Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®)
Additional Experience:
- 1992 – 1993 VICE CHAIR
School Advisory Council – Honolulu District
Served on the School Advisory Council overseeing specifically the Roosevelt Complex.
- 1990 – 1992 LECTURER
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, Hawaii
Lectured on investment theories, stock selection, portfolio management, economic indicators, and other related topics.
- 1988-90 INVESTMENT INDUSTRY AD HOC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Appointed by Securities Commissioner to serve as a member of an ad hoc committee established to oversee abuses in the securities industry and make appropriate recommendations.
Affiliations:
LANAKILA REHAB CENTER (MEALS ON WHEELS): Capital Campaign Chair to rebuild kitchen, dining room, and lower level. Kitchen provides over 2,000 meals per day.
HAWAII PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION: Vice President and founder; provides support to Hawaii’s young talent through scholarships and master workshops.
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF WOMEN ACCOUNTANTS: Developed formal short & long-range strategic plan. Worked over 3-year period to host national conference in Hawaii (1990), Outstanding Member Award (1991), past president, held various officer and board positions, member (1988-2007).
HAWAII WOMEN’S LEGAL FOUNDATION: Developed budget process, investment policies, investment portfolio practices, and public relations strategy; past board member, past chair Budget & Finance Committee, served on various committees (1983-2000).
PILOT CLUB OF HONOLULU: Past Pilot International Governor (was first Governor representing clubs mostly outside the United States), International Relations Area Leader, Outstanding Member Award, past president, held various officer and board positions, current member (1986-present).
PILOT FOUNDATION OF HAWAII: Instrumental in creating the Pilot Foundation of Hawaii to establish current funding for community projects; past president and board member.
YWCA OF OAHU: Board of Directors (1983-88), Member Nominating Committee (1988), Chair Fundraising Committee (1986-87), Secretary and Treasurer (1983-85), Leader Lunch steering committee chair (1997, 1998).
INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN SERVICES (I.H.S. or Peanut Butter Ministry): Chaired annual fundraiser (1997), chaired project with Weinberg Friends Program and I.H.S.
MANOA VALLEY THEATRE: Past President and board member, serving on various committees (1995-present).