Naomi Cooper is the Deputy Director, previously the Communications Director. She holds a BSBA from Hawaii Pacific University in corporate communications, a minor in theatre and a minor in writing. She fell into commercial talent and acting while in her teens that led to a career in marketing and business communications. She has professional experience in the industries of publishing, tourism, building development, wholesale and retail, sporting, wellness, events, advertising and public relations, film and commercial production. Naomi was raised in Haiku, Maui, spent many years in Oahu and returned to Maui during the pandemic.

Cooper was first introduced MHLA on contract for the Faces of Aloha Campaign, social media and public relations before joining MHLA in 2023 as their first Communications Director. Later that year, Cooper stood up crises communications during the wildfires and with the team of visitors industry leaders, helped to evacuate 12,000 tourist from the island. Cooper currently serves on the board of Women in Lodging, the Maui County Visitor Industry Coalition, is the Neighbor-Island Chair of the Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Program, is a mentor for Maui High School, as well as a 2025 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow. In her free time, she enjoys time with her children, hiking and nature, barre, musicals, travel, food, wine and art.