Board bios-3 - Friends of Italy Society of Hawai`i

Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii
Board Members
2013 - 2014
Brian McKay - President
Born in Wilmington, Delaware
Cyber Security Consultant
Hobbies include: running, hiking, traveling & cooking
Living in Hawaii "off and on since 1996"
"I want to help bring more attention to Italian culture,
history, language, and food here in Hawaii."
Tommaso Gambino - Vice President
Contributing Writer, Il Gazzetino
Born in New York, 2nd generation Italian-American
Living in Hawaii since 1998
Former airline executive and intermittent author
Enjoys tennis, Latin music and restoring and driving vintage
Alfa Romeos
"Will encourage the members of FOISOH to embrace the
culture and heritage that has been bestowed upon us and
our world. We are one!"
Fabrizio Medosi - Treasurer
Past President and Founding Member
Born in Cremona, Italy
Architect and Princpial of Pacific Atelier
30-year resident of Hawaii
Enjoys reading literature, listening to classical music and
prefers the company of his horse, Jalapeño
"I will keep the books straight."
Margaret Rufo - Secretary
Past Editor of Il Gazzetino
Born in Blemheim, Ontario
1st generation Italian-Canadian
Registered nurse, presently teaching English at Star of The
Sea School
Hawaii resident since 2006
Enjoys the beach with family, playing tennis and ice-skating
(pictured with Hai Cha Lambert, left)
Selli Cito-Rodrigues - Membership Director
Born in Eritrea, Italian by adoption
Massage therapist, Asthetician and Assistant Nurse
Moved to Hawaii from Rome in 1994
Loves to cook Italian food and throw pizza parties
"My wish is for the Friends of Italy to be one of the biggest
clubs in Hawaii."
Andrea Zannoni - Events Coordinator
Born in Verbania, Italy
Bank of Hawaii, Branch Manager
Tennis player, golfer & lover of outdoor activities
3-1/2 years in Hawaii
"I would like to contribute to FOISOH by preserving the
culture, traditions and heritage of the Italian community."
Malia Chung - Events Chairperson
Born and raised in Hawaii
Marketing Manager for Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and
Royal Hawaiian Hotels
Loves adventure and exploring the world, beach, tennis and
golf
"I would like to help FOISOH offer fun and cultural events
for those interested in Italian culture."
Nancy Brasciani - Board Member-at-Large
Born in Massachusetts, 2nd generation Italian-American
A Hawaii resident for 25 years
Volunteer for Hawaii Public Radio
Enjoys Italian lessons and following studies of Eastern
religious sects
"I will contribute to further the appreciation of Italy and its
culture."
Joe Magaldi - Board Member-at-Large
Past President
Born in Boston, 3rd generation Italian-American
Former Director of the Dept of Transportation Services for
the City and County of Honolulu, Resident Santa Claus
Holds numerous positions on non-profit boards, jogs 10
miles per day and still finds time to enjoy opera and film
“I will work to bring more recognition to Italians living and
contributing to the local community.”
Lorraine Taki - Editor, Il Gazzetino
Made in Hawaii, 4th Generation kama’aina
Vice President of a commercial real estate investment
company
Spends time exploring new restaurants and recipes and
travelling with friends
"I hope to deliver a relevant and interesting Il Gazzetino -please send me your ideas for articles!"
Jalapeño - Horse
Born in Maunawili, Kailua, lived in Hawaii +/- 38 years
Happily retired. Started his career as a polo pony. Averse to
fools and prone to bucking them off (hence the name),
moved on to become a successful and much loved dressage
horse to three generations of young girls at Hilltop and Circle
Z stables in Waimanalo. Dislikes cows and is suspicious of
dogs for their devotion to their masters.
“I will with my keen observation of human follies and
absurdities, contribute a good horse laugh.”