New Nauru Tower Resident Manager: Don Higgins

The Nauru Tower Association of Apartment Owners Board of Directors is pleased to announce and welcome Don Higgins as our new Resident Manager. Don will take over the position of Resident Manager on Wednesday, August 15, 2007.

The Board of Directors search for a new Resident Manager was exhaustive in its approach. A Search Committee (chaired by Bob Bosley and including Chuck Heitzman, Gerald Greer, Setsuko Hayakawa and Eric Hill) evaluated the applications of close to 30 candidates, of whom 6 were selected for further consideration. These six were interviewed by the Committee, resulting in the selection of two finalists. The two finalists were interviewed yet again by the Committee and also by Win Straube, President of the Board of Directors. Of the two finalists, Don Higgins was unanimously recommended to the Board of Directors, who voted to accept his appointment. Very important in the final decision was Don's keen interest in managing a high-end property such as Nauru. He was unequivocal in his statement that he had always dreamed of managing Nauru.

Don Higgins brings extensive qualifications and experience to his appointment as Resident Manager. Don previously served as Resident Manager of Ko'olani, the $148 million, 46-story high-rise just behind Nauru. Don was responsible for all planning and staffing, ensuring a timely Grand Opening and readiness for occupancy. He worked closely with the developer-controlled association to achieve a smooth transition to a resident-controlled association. Prior to assuming this position, Don worked as Resident Manager of two other condominium properties over a ten-year period. In 2004, the Institute of Real Estate Management awarded Don Residential Manager of the Year.

Don served in the U.S. Navy for 30 years, with key assignments that involved the leadership and management of over 100 personnel. His most important assignment was his responsibility for the daily operation of a 135 person submarine, in which he was responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of complex machinery required to keep the submarine operating around-the-clock (these responsibilities are similar to the position he has accepted).

The Board of Directors welcomes Don and his wife, Saehee, to Nauru Tower. We believe that Don's leadership and management will take Nauru to an even higher level of excellence. Our goal is to once again be recognized as Condominium of the Year and we believe that Don's appointment is an important step in realizing this goal.

The Board would like to thank Kevin Cole of Hawaiiana Management for his outstanding support and the many long hours he devoted to the search, interview and final selection process. With people such as Kevin and now Don Higgins, our future does look extremely bright.