BYU Hawaii Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

BYU Hawaii has 10 executives leading key functions including strategic oversight, information technology, administrative coordination, and regional academic representation.

Committed to fostering a unique educational environment, BYU Hawaii delivers comprehensive campus services and facilities management to support the academic mission and community well-being across the Pacific region.

Leadership Roles at BYU Hawaii

  • Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer - Vulcain Yengo
  • President of Korean Chapter - Taekwang Kwon
  • Accountant for President for Academics - Sho Imano
  • Cultural Consultant and Designer for President Kauwe and BYU-H - Samuel Mangakahia
  • Club President - Tergel Amarsanaa
  • Returned Missionary, Elders Quorum President, A Professor - Lucy Kappal
  • Club President - Matthew Linnell
  • Tonga Club President - Taulata Fekitoa
  • Chief Information Officer - Ryan Carter
  • Chief of Staff - Scott Stiles
  • Vulcain Yengo - Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Vulcain Yengo, the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer at BYU Hawaii, directs the overarching strategic vision for campus operations and institutional growth. Overseeing the integration of facilities management with academic goals, the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all infrastructure projects align with the long-term mission of the university. This leadership role involves coordinating with various departments to maintain high standards for campus buildings, equipment, and systems. By prioritizing sustainable development and efficient resource allocation, Vulcain Yengo drives the operational excellence required to support a diverse student body. Yengo maintains a focus on expanding the university's physical footprint while upholding the rigorous standards of the institution. Through consistent engagement with stakeholders, the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary support for ongoing campus improvements and long-term institutional stability within the competitive landscape of higher education.

    Taekwang Kwon - President of Korean Chapter

    Taekwang Kwon, the President of Korean Chapter at BYU Hawaii, drives regional engagement and fosters connections between the university and international stakeholders. Overseeing the expansion of the university's influence, the President of Korean Chapter ensures that the institution maintains a strong presence within the Korean academic and professional community. This leadership role involves coordinating outreach efforts that support the university's mission of global service and education. By facilitating partnerships and cultural exchanges, Taekwang Kwon enhances the university's reputation and attracts diverse talent to the Laie campus. Kwon manages regional initiatives that align with the broader strategic goals of the institution, ensuring that international efforts contribute to the overall growth of the university. Through the cultivation of key relationships, the President of Korean Chapter secures long-term support for academic programs and campus development, effectively bridging the gap between local operations and global outreach objectives.

    Sho Imano - Accountant for President for Academics

    Sho Imano, the Accountant for President for Academics at BYU Hawaii, manages the financial oversight and budgetary planning for academic departments. Overseeing the allocation of funds, the Accountant for President for Academics ensures that resources support the university's core mission of teaching and research. This leadership role involves auditing expenditures related to campus services and facilities that directly impact academic environments. By providing precise financial analysis, Sho Imano enables the leadership team to make informed decisions regarding infrastructure investments and equipment procurement. Imano maintains strict compliance with institutional financial policies, ensuring that all academic spending remains transparent and efficient. Through the rigorous monitoring of budgets, the Accountant for President for Academics supports the long-term financial health of the university. Ultimately, Imano secures the fiscal stability required to maintain high-quality facilities and services, ensuring that academic programs receive the necessary support to thrive in a competitive educational landscape.

    Samuel Mangakahia - Cultural Consultant and Designer for President Kauwe and BYU-H

    Samuel Mangakahia, the Cultural Consultant and Designer for President Kauwe and BYU-H at BYU Hawaii, architects the aesthetic and cultural identity of the campus environment. Overseeing the integration of traditional values into modern facilities design, the Cultural Consultant and Designer for President Kauwe and BYU-H ensures that campus architecture and landscaping reflect the unique heritage of the Pacific region. This leadership role involves collaborating with planning and design teams to create spaces that foster community and belonging. By incorporating cultural elements into the physical campus, Samuel Mangakahia enhances the student experience and reinforces the university's mission. Mangakahia manages design projects that align with the institution's commitment to cultural preservation and excellence. Through the thoughtful application of design principles, the Cultural Consultant and Designer for President Kauwe and BYU-H ensures that the physical environment remains a testament to the university's values, effectively shaping the visual and cultural landscape of the institution.

    Tergel Amarsanaa - Club President

    Tergel Amarsanaa, the Club President at BYU Hawaii, directs student-led initiatives that promote community engagement and campus involvement. Overseeing the coordination of club activities, the Club President ensures that student organizations align with the university's mission of service and leadership. This leadership role involves managing event logistics, including the use of campus facilities and equipment for student gatherings. By fostering a vibrant student life, Tergel Amarsanaa contributes to the overall well-being and satisfaction of the university community. Amarsanaa manages the allocation of club resources, ensuring that student groups have the support needed to execute impactful programs. Through the promotion of collaborative projects, the Club President enhances the connection between students and the broader campus services department. Ultimately, Amarsanaa drives student participation in university life, ensuring that the campus remains a dynamic and inclusive environment for all members of the student body.

    Lucy Kappal - Returned Missionary, Elders Quorum President, A Professor

    Lucy Kappal, the Returned Missionary, Elders Quorum President, A Professor at BYU Hawaii, integrates academic instruction with community service and spiritual leadership. Overseeing the development of curriculum, the Returned Missionary, Elders Quorum President, A Professor ensures that educational programs remain grounded in the university's core values. This leadership role involves mentoring students and facilitating service-oriented projects that utilize campus facilities for community benefit. By bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical application, Lucy Kappal enhances the student experience and promotes a culture of service. Kappal manages academic initiatives that align with the university's mission, ensuring that teaching methods remain effective and relevant. Through the coordination of service activities, the Returned Missionary, Elders Quorum President, A Professor supports the university's commitment to community engagement. Ultimately, Kappal drives the academic and personal growth of students, ensuring that the institution remains a center for both intellectual and spiritual development.

    Matthew Linnell - Club President

    Matthew Linnell, the Club President at BYU Hawaii, architects student-led programs that enhance the campus experience through extracurricular involvement. Overseeing the planning of events, the Club President ensures that student activities utilize campus resources efficiently while adhering to safety and sanitation standards. This leadership role involves coordinating with facilities management to secure venues and equipment for student-led initiatives. By fostering a sense of community, Matthew Linnell contributes to the university's goal of creating a supportive and engaging environment. Linnell manages the operational aspects of club events, ensuring that all activities remain consistent with the university's mission. Through the promotion of student leadership, the Club President facilitates the development of essential skills among the student body. Ultimately, Linnell drives the success of student organizations, ensuring that extracurricular life remains a vital component of the overall university experience for all students and faculty members.

    Taulata Fekitoa - Tonga Club President

    Taulata Fekitoa, the Tonga Club President at BYU Hawaii, directs cultural programming and student initiatives that celebrate the heritage of the Tongan community. Overseeing the organization of cultural events, the Tonga Club President ensures that these activities align with the university's mission of fostering diversity and inclusion. This leadership role involves coordinating with campus services to manage event logistics, including custodial and event support for cleaning and sanitation. By promoting cultural awareness, Taulata Fekitoa enhances the campus environment and encourages cross-cultural understanding among students. Fekitoa manages the club's resources to ensure that all events remain impactful and well-executed. Through the facilitation of student-led cultural programs, the Tonga Club President contributes to the vibrant social fabric of the university. Ultimately, Fekitoa drives the success of the club, ensuring that students have the opportunity to share and celebrate their heritage within the broader university community.

    Ryan Carter - Chief Information Officer

    Ryan Carter, the Chief Information Officer at BYU Hawaii, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support complex campus services and facilities management operations. Overseeing the modernization of data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that maintenance, custodial, and fleet management departments utilize cutting-edge technology for tracking and reporting. This leadership role involves securing critical building systems against cyber threats while facilitating seamless communication across the Laie campus. By implementing robust software solutions, Ryan Carter directly impacts the efficiency of warehouse and surplus operations. Carter manages the technological roadmap to ensure that all digital tools remain scalable and responsive to the evolving needs of the university community. Through the strategic deployment of information systems, the Chief Information Officer optimizes resource management and enhances the overall operational capacity of the institution, ensuring that data-driven decisions remain at the forefront of campus administration.
    Ryan Carter

    Scott Stiles - Chief of Staff

    Scott Stiles, the Chief of Staff at BYU Hawaii, coordinates administrative functions and facilitates communication between executive leadership and operational departments. Overseeing the execution of institutional priorities, the Chief of Staff ensures that facilities management initiatives align with the broader university agenda. This leadership role involves managing complex projects related to campus planning, design, and construction management. By streamlining internal processes, Scott Stiles enhances the collaboration between custodial services, grounds landscaping, and engineering teams. Stiles maintains a focus on operational efficiency, ensuring that all departments meet performance benchmarks while adhering to university policies. Through the management of high-level administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff supports the seamless delivery of campus services. Ultimately, Stiles provides the organizational structure necessary for the university to maintain its facilities and infrastructure, ensuring that all operational activities contribute to a productive and well-maintained environment for students and faculty.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding BYU Hawaii Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads BYU Hawaii?
    BYU Hawaii is led by Vulcain Yengo (Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Taekwang Kwon (President of Korean Chapter) and Sho Imano (Accountant for President for Academics).
    Who is part of BYU Hawaii’s executive team?
    The executive team of BYU Hawaii includes leaders such as Vulcain Yengo (Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer), Taekwang Kwon (President of Korean Chapter), Sho Imano (Accountant for President for Academics) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does BYU Hawaii have?
    BYU Hawaii has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in BYU Hawaii’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of BYU Hawaii includes roles such as Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer, President of Korean Chapter, Accountant for President for Academics, Cultural Consultant and Designer for President Kauwe and BYU-H, Club President.