HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Meth Project announced Tuesday that David Earles has joined the organization as its new Executive Director.
Earles brings more than 15 years of diverse experience to his new position from organizations ranging from start-up consulting firms to established organizations in Hawai‘i. His experience includes management roles in business development, strategic planning, fundraising, sales and marketing and operations.
“We are very excited to have David as a part of the Hawai‘i Meth Project family,” said Mark de Reus, Chairman of the Board for the Hawai‘i Meth Project in a release. “This is a vitally important program, and we are positive that his proven leadership skills, experience, and knowledge will help him to effectively expand and further develop the success of the Hawai‘i Meth Project and its efforts to prevent Meth use.”
Prior to joining the Hawai‘i Meth Project — a non-profit organization that implements large-scale, research-based campaigns and community action programs to reduce methamphetamine use in the state — Earles founded Capacity Plus LLC. The fundraising and marketing consulting company served an extensive list of non-profit organizations including the Aloha United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i, MADD Hawai‘i, and the YMCA of Honolulu.
He has also served as Director of Marketing & Strategic Planning for Castle Medical Center, Director of Development for Catholic Charities in Hawai‘i, and Development Associate for the Hawai‘i Community Foundation.
“The Hawai‘i Meth Project presents an amazing opportunity with many possibilities for growth and development,” said Earles. “My goal is to take the program to the next stage and work extensively to truly make a difference in the community by continually educating people about the issue of Meth in our state and our prevention efforts. I am looking forward to expanding community outreach efforts and bringing the program’s visibility to a new level.”
As Executive Director, Earles will be responsible for driving the project’s strategic direction, community outreach and education, fund development efforts, and business operations. Hawai‘i is one of eight states to adopt the Meth Project, which has been nationally recognized for its extensive research, integrated media campaign, and proven results.
Earles earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from Loma Linda University and a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Pacific Union College, both in California. He is active in the local community, having served as President of the Kailua Chamber of Commerce, the Kailua Historical Society, and the Hawai‘i Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He also teaches marketing and fundraising courses at Kapiolani Community College and Hilo Community College.
The Hawai‘i Meth Project is affiliated with the Meth Project, a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., aimed at significantly reducing Meth use through public service messaging, public policy, and community outreach.
For more information, visit www.hawaiimethproject.org.
