Administrative Vice President Michael Tejada has announced the appointment of David Fonoimoana as director of career planning and placement at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, effective May 5.
In this role, Fonoimoana will lead the Career Services department and report directly to Tejada. The appointment reflects a structural change within the university, as Career Services previously reported to Human Resources. Ikaia Nawahine, who has served as the career planning and placement manager, will now report to Fonoimoana.
Fonoimoana will oversee efforts to equip students with the skills, resources and opportunities necessary to achieve their career goals and carry the spirit of BYU–Hawaii into the global workplace.
"David has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to preparing our students for meaningful careers,” Tejada said. “His vision and leadership have already made a significant impact, and I am confident that in this new role, he will elevate our career services to new heights. We’re excited to have him step into this position."
Fonoimoana most recently served as the auxiliaries manager at BYU–Hawaii, where he oversaw multiple campus departments including the BYUH Store, Print Services, Travel Services, and Mail Center. During his tenure, he implemented operational changes that transformed the financial performance of several departments—most notably, reversing significant losses in the BYUH Store and Print Services into profitability within two years. He also led a campuswide student employment initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic and launched a professional development program for student employees focused on résumé building, interview skills, and career readiness.
Prior to his work at BYU–Hawaii, Fonoimoana served as retail inventory manager at the Polynesian Cultural Center and spent six years in operations management at Target Corp., where he led large teams, trained new recruits, and helped open new markets in Alaska and Hawaii.
"This campus is truly unique, and the students are incredible,” Fonoimoana said. “Fifteen years ago, while working at Target Corp., I had the opportunity to volunteer and help BYU–Hawaii students with interview preparation. I feel deeply blessed to once again support BYUH students as they prepare for their future careers and strive to become better disciples of Christ.”
Fonoimoana earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Brigham Young University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Hawaii.
He spent his formative years in Laie and attended Kahuku High School before graduating from Brighton High School in Utah. He served in the Panama City Mission. Fonoimoana lives in Laie with his wife and three children and currently serves in the Young Men organization in his ward. He is deeply committed to mentoring students and preparing them for meaningful careers around the world.