BYU–Hawaii Administrative Vice President Steve Tueller has named Makoa Freitas as the new director of finance/controller.
In his new role, Freitas will lead Financial Services and oversee all financial accounting and reporting, tax filings, payroll, investments, capital project accounting, and procurement.
In 2012, Freitas began his career at BYU–Hawaii as the financial transactions manager and subsequently became the assistant controller in 2014. Since 2018, he has served as management control auditor at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Freitas earned his Master of Business Administration and master's degree in accounting from Indiana University before becoming an associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Additionally, Freitas is a certified public accountant and former NFL offensive lineman for the Indianapolis Colts.
“I am excited to welcome Makoa back into our BYU–Hawaii Ohana,” Tueller said. “Makoa’s prior experience working with our Financial Services team, and subsequent skills honed at the Polynesian Cultural Center will help him move us along “the trajectory the university is now on” that Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke of at President Kauwe’s inauguration.”
Effective July 1, Freitas will replace Eric Marler, who recently retired from BYU–Hawaii after many years of service. "I am grateful for the good work Eric and the Financial Services team have accomplished. Eric will be missed, and we wish him the best as he starts this new chapter in his life. We look forward to more great things happening in Financial Services under Makoa’s leadership,” Tueller said.