Amy Asselbaye
Honolulu,HI
Summary
Executive leader with over 30 years of experience driving success in public, nonprofit, and governmental organizations through strategic planning, organizational development, and public policy. Expertise in pioneering innovative solutions and fostering creativity while building high-performing teams that align complex initiatives across diverse stakeholders. Skilled in navigating politically sensitive issues and translating strategic vision into measurable outcomes that benefit communities. Proven track record of collaboration with elected officials, boards, community organizations, businesses, and government agencies at federal, state, and local levels to achieve economic and community development goals.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director, Office of Economic Revitalization
City and County of Honolulu
07.2020 - Current
- Lead the City’s economic development office, providing strategic direction for organization-wide priorities, policy development, operations, communications, partnerships, and performance management.
- Established and built the City’s Office of Economic Revitalization from inception into a multidisciplinary organization delivering economic development initiatives across small business, workforce, agriculture, tourism, innovation, and community development.
- Serve as principal liaison to the Mayor’s Office, City Council, State agencies, the Economic Revitalization Commission, business leaders, and community stakeholders.
- Lead enterprise strategic planning, organizational priorities, budget alignment, and executive decision-making across multiple program portfolios.
- Direct executive oversight of high-profile initiatives, intergovernmental partnerships, contracts, and cross-sector collaborations.
- Oversee organizational performance through strategic metrics, reporting, governance, communications, and operational accountability.
- Guide executive leadership coordination, organizational risk management, and rapid response to emerging economic and policy issues.
Executive Director
HMSA Foundation
03.2017 - 07.2020
- Provided executive leadership for one of Hawai‘i’s largest health-focused philanthropic organizations.
- Directed strategic planning, organizational operations, grant making, financial management, board governance, legal compliance, and community investment strategy.
- Managed Foundation operations supporting approximately $26 million in charitable investments.
- Built strategic partnerships across healthcare systems, nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations to improve statewide health outcomes.
- Led executive communications, organizational performance, and long-term organizational planning.
Director of Strategic & Community Development
Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Directed strategic planning, community engagement, fundraising, grants, and government relations.
- Led implementation of major strategic initiatives, including expansion of school-based health centers and community health programs.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance community health, strengthen organizational partnerships, and drive long-range development.
- Developed partnerships with public, private, and nonprofit organizations supporting health equity and community investment.
- Supported executive leadership in prioritizing and achieving organizational goals for sustainable growth.
Chief of Staff
Office of Governor Neil Abercrombie
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Advised Governor on statewide policy coordination and executive management, enhancing decision-making processes.
- Coordinated strategic initiatives across eighteen executive departments and Governor’s executive staff, aligning goals and improving operational effectiveness.
- Led Cabinet coordination, policy implementation, executive operations, and organizational decision-making.
- Facilitated collaboration among state agencies, elected officials, and external stakeholders for successful execution of complex governmental initiatives.
Director of Operations
Neil Abercrombie for Governor
01.2010 - 2010
- Led statewide campaign operations, developed organizational strategy, coordinated field activities, and facilitated executive collaboration for successful gubernatorial campaign.
Chief of Staff
Office of Congressman Neil Abercrombie
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Provided executive leadership for congressional operations in Washington, D.C. and Hawai‘i.
- Directed office operations, strategic planning, budget management, personnel, constituent services, and legislative priorities to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Guided federal policy development, government relations, and stakeholder engagement to enhance legislative effectiveness.
Progressive Leadership Positions
01.1993 - 01.2005
- Advanced through increasingly senior leadership positions including Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Legislative Director, Senior Legislative Assistant, Legislative Assistant, and Legislative Correspondent.
- Developed expertise across healthcare, education, energy, military affairs, environmental policy, Native Hawaiian issues, and federal legislative strategy while advising senior elected leadership and coordinating complex policy initiatives.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Political and Public Affairs Communications
Florida State University
Certificate - City Leadership in Innovation
Harvard University, Bloomberg Center for Cities
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Executive management
- Public Policy & Government Innovation
- Economic & Community Development
- Cross-Sector Partnerships
- Board & Commission Leadership
- Budget & Financial Oversight
- Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
- Legislative strategy
- Team Development & Executive Coaching
Timeline
Executive Director, Office of Economic Revitalization
City and County of Honolulu
07.2020 - Current
Executive Director
HMSA Foundation
03.2017 - 07.2020
Director of Strategic & Community Development
Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
01.2011 - 01.2017
Chief of Staff
Office of Governor Neil Abercrombie
01.2010 - 01.2011
Director of Operations
Neil Abercrombie for Governor
01.2010 - 2010
Chief of Staff
Office of Congressman Neil Abercrombie
01.2005 - 01.2010
Progressive Leadership Positions
01.1993 - 01.2005
Certificate - City Leadership in Innovation
Harvard University, Bloomberg Center for Cities
Bachelor of Science - Political and Public Affairs Communications
Florida State University