As we celebrate Women’s History Month and Agriculture Week, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) is happy to introduce a remarkable individual who embodies resilience, leadership, and a passion for community impact. Tambara Garrick, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Hawaiʻi Farm Project’s Maui Gold Pineapple, is not just leading market initiatives, she is crafting a narrative of empowerment and sustainability in the agricultural sector. She was recently acknowledged for her contributions to a thriving future for Maui Nui by Pacific Business News as one of their 2024 Women Who Mean Business honorees. 

A 2017 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow, Garrick participated in the year-long leadership development program and now serves on their board of directors. The uniquely designed program addresses the many challenges that face Maui. Garrick’s journey, from a childhood farm stand to becoming CMO at Maui Gold Pineapple, is a testament to her deep-rooted connection to agriculture. She is passionate about supporting small businesses and sustainable practices for our future generations. In addition to her long-time involvement with Future Farmers of America, she serves on numerous boards, including those for County of Maui Workforce Development, Chamber for Hawaiʻi Restaurant Association, and Lahaina Town Action Committee.  

“It’s all about being able to navigate challenges, including the recent Maui wildfires, which call for an enormous amount of resilience and strategic thinking,” Garrick said. “In response to the devasting fires, I helped initiate the Pineapple Pledge. With every purchase of a Maui Gold Pineapple the company donates to the relief organizations providing aid to the affected community. This initiative not only supports those in need, but also helps protect farm jobs and pineapple production operations. Additionally, Maui Gold recently contributed $2,000 to support Lahainaluna High School’s Robotics Team, assisting promising STEM students with travel and opportunity costs.” 

In her role as CMO, Garrick oversees the planning, development, and execution of marketing and sales efforts across the company’s family of brands. Her responsibilities range from creative influence on business strategy to driving the company’s growth. “Our future includes continued Maui Pineapple Tours, exporting, consulting with other farms, and ensuring legislature to protect them,” Garrick noted.  “Additionally, working with the MEDB STEMworks™ Ag Internship Program, our manager, Rudy Balala, teaches our youth the importance of agriculture. We are grateful to MEDB for helping to set that up.”