Mike McCartney

Since March 2009, Mike McCartney has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA). Previously, McCartney served two years as Chairman of the HTA Board of Directors from 2002-2004.

Prior to joining HTA, McCartney was the Executive Director of the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association. While there, he was responsible for the operation of the 13,500 membership organization, handling strategic planning, negotiation, lobbying, and managing operations.

McCartney has more than 20 years of experience working in various leadership positions. He has served as the Director of the State of Hawai‘i Department of Human Resources Development, President and Chief Executive Officer of PBS Hawai‘i, as well as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i. He was also President and co-creator of the Hawai‘i Stars Television series, which ranked as the number one locally produced show in the state.

In 1988, McCartney was elected to serve in the Hawai‘i State Senate representing the 23rd senatorial district. During his decade in elected office, he served as Vice President, Majority Leader, Education Chair, Labor Chair, and Governmental Operations Chair. McCartney has received numerous awards for his work, including Lawmaker of the Year from Small Business Hawai‘i.

McCartney is a member of the Hawai‘i State Judiciary Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Board. He also is involved with a variety of other organizations, including Carole Kai Charities and the Great Aloha Run, Live Aloha, Kamaaina Kids, No Hope in Dope, and the Pacific Rim Foundation.

Born and raised in Kahalu‘u, O‘ahu, McCartney is a graduate of Pacific University where he earned a Bachelor of Science. He is married to Dr. Candace Furubayashi and they have three children.