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Erin Wade, who has more than 20 years of experience in municipal leadership, was sworn in as the Maui County deputy managing director on Jan. 2.
According to the county, Wade has worked in key roles within the county's Planning and Management Departments for the past 18 years. Her work includes the planning and design of the Wailuku Garage and Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art.
"Erin's tenure at the county has been marked by her leadership, forward-thinking approach and commitment to public service," Mayor Richard Bissen said in a statement. "As deputy managing director, she will bring her expertise in federal compliance and community-focused planning to the critical task of rebuilding Lahaina."
Wade's most recent role as an executive assistant in the Department of Management involved collaborating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Hawai'i Emergency Management Agency. Her efforts are credited for helping develop a fire debris removal process, steering intergovernmental agreements for post-fire response and recovery and collaborating with the Maui County Council to establish emergency code amendments. She also served as planning and development chief, overseeing more than $100 million in capital improvements and leading redevelopment projects in Wailuku.
Wade's leadership also saw the construction and mitigation of the Wailuku Civic Complex, the launch of the "Da Bee" downtown shuttle system and the creation of the award-winning Small Town Big Art program.
"Erin's contributions to the county have been instrumental in advancing important community initiatives," Managing Director Josiah Nishita said. "Her proactive approach and dedication are greatly valued, and we are excited for her continued impact in this new role."
Earlier in her career, Wade held other notable county roles including positions in both the Current Planning and Long-Range Planning Divisions. Before joining Maui County, she served as the Planning and Community Development director for Grand Haven, Michigan, and as lead planner for Williams & Works in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
In anticipation of the $1.6 billion the county is slated to receive later this year for disaster relief initiatives, Wade’s expertise in federal regulations governing the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds could be invaluable. The funding is part of a broader federal disaster recovery package with approximately $1.6 billion allocated for housing and an additional $480 million for restoration efforts.
Wade earned a master's degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa and a bachelor's degree in planning from Michigan State University. Additionally, she has undertaken continuing education in Hawaiian culture and language at the University of Hawai'i Maui College.
Additionally, Wade's community involvement is described as "extensive" with Wade serving on nonprofit boards such as Imua Family Services and Habitat for Humanity. She has received numerous accolades, including a National Endowment for the Arts "Our Town" Grant and an Award of Excellence for Community Outreach from the Hawai'i Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
"This work has been deeply meaningful and fulfilling," Wade said. "I hope to contribute effectively during this pivotal time."
Outside of her professional commitments, Wade enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, hiking and studying hula with Hālau Makana Aloha o Ka Lauaʻē under Kumu Sissy Lake Farm.