Ulupono Initiative Promotes Kathleen Rooney to Director, Welcomes Trisha Yamato and Adam Buote to Investment Team

Feb 25, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HONOLULU – Ulupono Initiative announced the promotion of Kathleen “Katie” Rooney to director of transportation policy and programs, effective Jan. 1, 2020, as well as the hiring of Trisha Yamato as associate of investments and analytics and Adam Buote as senior analyst of investments and analytics, effective Feb. 3, 2020. Their talents build upon the mission-driven firm’s expertise, capabilities and resources in service to its vision of a more sustainable Hawaii.

“Katie brings a wealth of insight, knowledge and passion to our work in the transportation sector, which itself represents a significant opportunity to reduce Hawaii’s fossil fuel use and improve how we get around in a more efficient and environmentally sustainable way,” said Murray Clay, president of Ulupono Initiative. “We also welcome Trisha and Adam, whose home-grown experience in the finance and accounting sectors will ensure ongoing due diligence as we invest with purpose to make Hawaii’s communities more self-sufficient and resilient in a range of critical areas. These range from local food production to renewable energy to clean transportation.”

Rooney previously served as Ulupono Initiative’s transportation manager. She brings 15 years of national experience in the transportation and transit industry. Prior to joining Ulupono Initiative, Rooney served as a project manager of Renaissance Planning in Orlando, Fla., and as a senior manager at ICF International in Washington D.C. She directed a Complete Streets and transit best practices project for the Florida Department of Transportation, as well as transportation demand management programs for the New York State Department of Transportation.

Rooney holds a Master in Public Policy from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor in Political Science from Tulane University in New Orleans.

Yamato most recently worked as a senior internal auditor and vice president for Bank of Hawaii, where she coordinated and conducted regulatory compliance audits of the consumer lending, commercial banking and mortgage divisions. She brings a track record of enhancing internal controls and operating procedures.

Born in Honolulu, Yamato is a graduate of Punahou School, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Accounting from Claremont McKenna College in California and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Hawaii Shidler College of Business.

Buote previously worked as an audit associate at Accuity LLP, where he earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license specializing in commercial retail, governmental, insurance, and real estate assurance engagements.

Born in Honolulu, Buote is a graduate of McKinley High School and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from University of Hawaii Shidler College of Business.

About Ulupono Initiative

Founded in 2009, Ulupono Initiative is committed to improving the quality of life for the people of Hawaii by working toward sustainable solutions that support and promote locally produced food, renewable energy, clean transportation, and better management of water and waste. For more information about Ulupono Initiative, visit www.ulupono.com or connect with Ulupono on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.