WHO WE ARE
Board of Directors
Sarah Freeman
President
Sarah Freeman is the Food System Economic Development Specialist and Food Access Coordinator for the County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development, a role she has held since 2019. She collaborates with partners to strengthen Hawai‘i’s food systems by supporting community-led initiatives and identifying funding opportunities. Sarah holds a B.S. in Conservation and Resource Studies from UC Berkeley, with a focus on urban agriculture and conflict resolution and a Master of Public Health with a focus on Food Systems from Johns Hopkins University. Sarah brings over 10 years of nonprofit experience and has worked on community-driven projects in the U.S., India, Brazil, and Ecuador. She previously managed key programs at HIP Agriculture in Kohala and helped to start Kohala Food Hub.
Leelan Park
Vice President
Born and raised in North Kohala, Leelen earned a bachelor's degree in Education from UH Manoa and embarked on a career in the non-profit sector, starting with The Boy Scouts of America. In April 2020, he joined The Food Basket, where he assumed the role of COVID-19 Project Manager, overseeing and executing islandwide Ohana Food Drops - a series of large-scale food distribution events. Over his tenure, Leelen spearheaded a total of 170 Ohana drops. He progressed through the ranks, first as Deputy Director for the Healthy Food Access Initiatives, later as Director of Community Engagement and Innovation, and finally ending his tenure with The Food Basket as Director of Development. Leelen recently returned to his hometown of North Kohala to serve as Executive Director of the North Kohala Community Resource Center.
Brian Sward
Treasurer
Brian is an accomplished hospitality executive with 28 years of leadership experience across operations, procurement, and finance. As Accounting Manager at Mauna Kea Resort, he brings a unique blend of culinary roots and corporate expertise, having launched his career as a chef in New York City before transitioning into strategic roles at organizations including The Walt Disney Company and MGM Resorts. His background includes specialization in food and beverage pricing optimization, supply chain management, and procurement operations—delivering measurable value across diverse hospitality portfolios. Brian’s operational insight, combined with a financial lens, helps drive efficiency, innovation, and guest-centric strategies at both the property and enterprise levels. He holds a B.S. in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management from Penn State and an MBA from Stetson University. Passionate about sustainability, he actively supports local farming initiatives and ocean conservation efforts.
Erika Kuhr
Secretary
Erika Kuhr has lived in North Kohala for the last sixteen years, where she has studied, practiced and taught farming, nutrition, herbal medicine and cooking with local crops. She is dedicated to improving the health of the community through founding and directing the Hawai'i Institute of Pacific Agriculture. Erika has co-hosted and provided farmer training to over 200 adults in HIP Ag’s residential farmer training programs. She educates youth in school gardens, on the farm, and in the community. Erika graduated from San Diego State University in 2005 with a B.S. in Food and Nutrition Sciences and a B.A. in Spanish. Erika is committed to youth, ensuring they have access to fresh food through building a localized food economy that creates peaceful and happy communities. Erika is happily married to her husband and co-director Dash Kuhr, they have three children.
Delphina Dorrance
Director
Delphina Dorrance has lived on Hawai‘i Island since 1998 and is founder and CVO of 1Heart HUB, Centers for Food, Arts, Culture & Ecology. Through 1Heart, she designs spaces and programs that support community wellness, regenerative farming, healing arts, and local culture. She helped restore the Kohala Village HUB and leads Blue Dragon Tavern, Blue Dragon Bodywork, and an eco-retreat in Northern California. Delphina serves on several nonprofit boards, including Feed Hawai‘i, ʻOhana Homeschool Cooperative, and the Dorrance Family Foundation. She holds degrees and certifications in music, massage therapy, permaculture, and sociocracy. A professional bassist and vocalist, she performs with multiple ensembles and is most proud of being mom to three amazing teens.
Ron Meyer
Director
Born and raised in Iowa, Ron Meyer attended Stanford University and earned his A.B. degree in economics. He received a J.D. degree from Stanford Law School. After law school, Ron first served as a law clerk to a United States District Judge in San Francisco. In 1977 he joined the law firm of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP in Los Angeles where he practiced commercial litigation, with particular emphasis on complex financial and contractual transactions. Ron and his family moved to the Big Island in June 2010. He retired from practicing law in March 2016. Ron lives on the Kohala Coast and has one daughter.