Hawaii First Federal Credit Union, a Community Development Financial Institution with branch locations in Kamuela and Hilo, Hawaii, is proud to announce that Mary Ann Otake has been promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO).
After starting her career as a credit union intern, Otake has spent the last 18 years immersing herself in the credit union movement. She is a graduate of Western CUNA Management School (WCMS), and she played an instrumental role in helping Hawaii First obtain its Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certification. Additionally, she helped with the planning and grant writing initiatives that led to seven CDFI awards totaling $4.1 million.
Along with performing various in-branch responsibilities, Otake helped Hawaii First become the first financial institution in the state of Hawaii to be recognized as an approved Blue Zones Worksite, an accomplishment that led to the creation of the credit union’s WELLth First employee wellness program. While she’s worked to make Hawaii better for others, she also managed to obtain her Development Educator (DE) designation. As one of only four people from the state of Hawaii to earn this designation, Otake was invited to serve as a DE panelist at the 2020 Annual Hawaii Credit Union League Conference.
“Mary Ann’s contributions extend far beyond the branches of Hawaii First,” said Laura Aguirre, CEO of Hawaii First Federal Credit Union. “Her efforts have made a positive impact in the community and in the individual lives of our members. We are excited to welcome Mary Ann to the Hawaii First leadership team. Her track record stands as a shining example of our credit union’s mission to empower our community by serving Hawaii first.”
For additional information on the programs and services offered at Hawaii Federal Credit Union, visit www.hawaiifirstfcu.com.

Mary Ann Otake.