Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Appointments and Roles
TECHNOLOGY
Professional Development
Hobbies and Interests
References
Timeline
Generic

David Vaeafe

Auckland,AUK

Summary

Strategic thinker and leader with strong commercial acumen and management skills spanning 40 years, with a proven implementation and success track record. A genuine collaborative mindset and am adept at communicating new initiatives and ideas clearly and concisely to diverse audiences. Excellent influencing, advocacy and negotiating skills, with the ability to quickly develop trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders and government agencies. Highly skilled in prioritising and acting decisively in time-pressured environments.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT

David Vaeafe
12.2019 - Current
  • Delivering wide-ranging professional business and advisory solutions, including Governance, Change Management, Media Engagement, Programme Management, Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement, Tourism Development and Representation

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Pacific Cooperation Foundation
07.2022 - 08.2023
  • Led onboarding process for new Board of Trustees, provided extensive executive-level support to Board, managed organisation, delivered new strategic direction and objectives, led all facets of human resources, overseeing a budget of $1.4 million and financial risk assessment. Managed and led a wide range of projects. Develop key relationships with domestic and Pacific Islands-based stakeholders and project partners and lead various projects. Develop key relationships with domestic and Pacific Islands-based stakeholders and project partners and led a newly assembled team of four professionals while overseeing a network of 15 project contractors

PROJECT MANAGER

Pacific Cooperation Foundation
02.2021 - 06.2022
  • Manage the transformation of the organisation, Manage and lead all human resources aspects for a team of 7 staff, Manage all financials and associated requirements, Work closely with solicitors to revise the Trust Deed, Led the change management process, Service the Board by participating in meetings, Prepare and submit quarterly reports to the government funding body and serve as a liaison, Oversee a wide range of domestic and international work delivery projects, Liaise with domestic and Pacific Islands-based stakeholders and project partners

BOARD MEMBER

Pacific Cooperation Foundation
03.2020 - 02.2021
  • Governance duties - strategic planning, budget and finance, operations and human resources

FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

American Samoa Visitors Bureau
08.2009 - 11.2019
  • The First Executive Director hired to establish the new semi-autonomous government agency for the American Samoa Government, Collaborated with key industry stakeholders to increase tourism to American Samoa, Build up and manage all aspects of the bureau, including budgeting, outreach, international marketing and promotion, and training and development

FOUNDING PROGRAMME MANAGER

Pacific Cooperation Foundation
03.2004 - 07.2009
  • As a founding Programme Manager, designed and developed various high-profile projects from scratch between New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Actively participated in trade missions to the Cook Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Marshall Islands, Leveraged solid resource management and project administration skills to structure a media graduate exchange programme with a capacity of 12 students throughout the Pacific Islands, Contributed significantly to the ‘Pacific Regional Seasonal Employment Scheme' endorsement, Secured a grant of $400K for a successful human rights coverage training programme for Pacific Island media outlets in the Solomon Islands and Samoa, Increased resourcefulness of the team by training 100+ journalists, Active in securing a number of major conferences

Education

Bachelor of Applied Management With Distinction - Business Management

Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin, NZ
09.2023

Skills

  • Governance & Board Leadership
  • C-Suite Leadership & Management
  • Financial Management
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Media and Communications

Websites

Appointments and Roles

  • Board Member - Pacific Cooperation Foundation, Auckland, New Zealand, 2020-2021
  • Chairman - South Pacific Tourism Organisation, Suva, Fiji Islands, 2019
  • Board Member - South Pacific Tourism Organisation, Suva, Fiji Islands, 2013 - 2019
  • Chairman - South Pacific Cruise Alliance, Pape'ete, French Polynesia, 2017-2019
  • Board Member - South Pacific Cruise Alliance, Pape'ete, French Polynesia, 2010-2019
  • Member - American Samoa Hotel Development Taskforce, Pago Pago, American Samoa, 2016-2019
  • Director - National Council of State Tourism Directors, US Travel Association, Washington, DC, United States of America
  • Executive Board Member - American Samoa Chamber of Commerce, Pago Pago, American Samoa 2015-2016
  • Council Member - Council of Ministers, South Pacific Tourism Organisation, Suva, Fiji Islands, 2013-2019
  • Advisory Council Member - National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa, Pago Pago, American Samoa, 2012-2013
  • Cabinet Member - American Samoa Government, Pago Pago, American Samoa, 2011-2019
  • Committee Member - American Samoa Renewable Energy Committee, Pago Pago, American Samoa, 2011-2012
  • Board Member - Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Inc, Apia, Samoa, 2010-2019
  • Committee Member - Whitireia Polytechnic Journalism School Advisory Committee, Wellington, New Zealand, 2006-2009
  • Chairman - Waiariki Polytechnic Journalism School Advisory Committee, Rotorua, New Zealand, 2005-2009
  • Executive Member - New Zealand Journalist Training Organisation, Wellington, New Zealand, 2004-2009
  • Chairman - South Pacific Association of National Tourism Offices, Auckland, New Zealand, 2000-2004

TECHNOLOGY

Proficiently skilled in the use of the following software tools -  Microsoft Office Suite, BoardPro, Asana, Slack and Zoom.

Professional Development

  • Route Development for Destinations and Tourism - Airport Strategy & Marketing, London, United Kingdom, 2016
  • Effective Marketing Planning, University of Auckland Business School, Auckland, New Zealand, 2001
  • Certificate of Journalism, Waiariki Polytechnic, Rotorua, New Zealand, 1985

Hobbies and Interests

Golf, reading fiction and non-fiction, researching family tree/history, writing and research assignments (history and destinations), connecting with family and friends and exploring new cities and destinations.

References

Provided on request.

Timeline

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Pacific Cooperation Foundation
07.2022 - 08.2023

PROJECT MANAGER

Pacific Cooperation Foundation
02.2021 - 06.2022

BOARD MEMBER

Pacific Cooperation Foundation
03.2020 - 02.2021

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT

David Vaeafe
12.2019 - Current

FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

American Samoa Visitors Bureau
08.2009 - 11.2019

FOUNDING PROGRAMME MANAGER

Pacific Cooperation Foundation
03.2004 - 07.2009

Bachelor of Applied Management With Distinction - Business Management

Otago Polytechnic

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