FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hawaii First Federal Credit Union Announces Leadership Transition Plan
June 2025 – The Board of Directors of Hawaii First Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce the selection of Mary Ann Otake as the credit union’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. Otake will begin this new position July 1, 2025. The Board is thrilled to have mentored and developed the next CEO of Hawaii First FCU in house said Kristina Makoff, Board Chairperson. Mary Ann brings solid collaborative leadership to our executive team. Her commitment to our membership and community impact uniquely qualifies her to lead the credit union into its next chapter. Mary Ann is a seasoned financial services executive with more than 20 years of experience. She currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Hawaii First FCU. Throughout her career, she has built an engaging and empowering work culture. Otake remarked of her new position, “I am profoundly grateful for this credit union ‘ohana, where I’ve received invaluable mentoring, care, learning, and support throughout my
journey. This credit union under the leadership of our lion, Laura, has not only shaped my professional life but has also taught me the power of community and teamwork. In a world that is constantly evolving, it is crucial that we come together, united in our commitment to meet the diverse needs of our members. I am looking forward to this opportunity to not
only elevate our members but also inspire and support one another on our individual paths focused on professional development while finding the balance between work, life, and family that allows us all to flourish.”
Otake holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Minor in Hawaiian Studies , University of Hawaii at Hilo, Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE-WCMS) with Honors, Western Credit Union Management School, Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE), National Credit Union Foundation, Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC), America’s Credit Unions, Community Development Certified Financial Counselor (CDCFC), CU Strategic Planning.

Our current President and CEO, Laura Aguirre will retire June 30, 2025, after 33 years of superior leadership. Under Laura’s dynamic leadership the credit union expanded its membership base, cultivated a construction loan program designed to put our island population into their dream homes, added a non-profit portion to the Credit union to reach the underserved on our island, successfully mentored the upcoming CEO along with
developing the current executive team. Laura and Mary Ann along with the Board of Directors strategically built a succession plan to bring forth up-to-date relevant technology to our broad-based membership, a third newly opened branch in Waikoloa to better reach our island, and a cross-trained staff that make a significant contribution to keeping Hawaii First FCU an attractive financial institution. Laura leaves a legacy of making dreams come true for our staff and our members. She is known for her out of the box thinking and going 110 percent 100 percent of the time. Here at Hawaii First we are known as Lions and while we will miss our present Lioness, the new Lioness is ready to take on the den and our membership will remain in good hands. Hawaii First FCU is a community development credit union, which exists to provide the highest level of personal financial services to under banked and underserved communities; to encourage thrift, savings, and the wise use of credit, and to increase financial education and the ability of underserved households to maintain their financial well-being thus empowering them to financial sustainability. Hawaii First is a place of help, hope and happiness, open to the entire Hawaii island community.

MEDIA CONTACT: Chelsea Moe chelsea@hawaiifirstfcu.com