

Lance K. Wilhelm
President
With more than 30 years of experience in the building industry, Lance Wilhelm brings a deep understanding of how complex real estate, development, and construction projects are planned, funded, and delivered across Hawaiʻi. He began his career in construction in 1989 and has held roles at nearly every level of the industry, from entry‑level positions to executive leadership. In 2017, Lance founded The Wilhelm Group to provide project oversight, management, and strategic guidance for clients across the public, private, nonprofit, and for‑profit sectors.
Prior to launching TWG, Lance held senior leadership roles with prominent development and construction firms in Hawaiʻi, where he oversaw major hospitality, mixed‑use, and infrastructure projects, including large‑scale work in Waikīkī and on Honolulu’s rail transit system.
Active in both industry and community leadership, Lance serves on the boards of YMCA, Hawaiʻi Pacific University, Island Pacific Academy, and KUPU. He has also held key leadership positions, including serving as President of the General Contractors Association of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Developers’ Council, and the West Oʻahu Economic Development Association, and previously serving on the Board of Trustees for Kamehameha Schools. Lance is also an active member of GCA, GCLA, NAIOP Hawaiʻi, the Urban Land Institute, and the Waikīkī Improvement Association.
Lance is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.


Jesse Dowsett
Vice President
As Vice President at The Wilhelm Group, Jesse provides leadership across a wide range of development and construction projects, frequently serving as Owner’s Representative. His work spans the full project lifecycle, from early feasibility and pre-development through construction, supporting clear decision-making and consistent project delivery.
Before joining TWG in 2017, Jesse spent over a decade working as a general contractor, bringing a strong builder’s perspective to owner and developer representation. His experience includes resort and hospitality, multi-family, education, aviation, commercial, and tenant improvement projects throughout Hawaiʻi. He is known for fostering alignment among owners, designers, and contractors by proactively managing risk and translating design intent into practical, buildable solutions.
Jesse is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University.


Matt Castro
Senior Project Manager
For over a decade, Matt has built and managed projects of all sizes and with various levels of complexity. With a unique focus on sustainability, Matt has gained experience in handling client and subcontractor interfaces, project coordination and issue resolution, scheduling, and contract administration. Matt leverages his background and experience at The Wilhelm Group to help manage a growing number of projects in the interest of providing a successful final product for clients and partners alike.
Matt boasts extensive knowledge of multiple levels of construction management, having worked in positions from LEED engineer to construction manager and project engineer. Matt also brings over ten years of hands-on experience with large-scale construction projects. As a graduate of the University of Hawaii, Matt earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Environmental Design & Construction.


Rod Nagao
Senior Project Manager
Rod has built and managed construction projects across multiple disciplines and industries for nearly 30 years. His background includes roles with civil contractors, general contractors, subcontractors, and consulting teams, giving him a broad understanding of how projects are approached and delivered. At The Wilhelm Group, Rod supports a range of ongoing and developing projects, contributing practical insight throughout the project process.
His work spans commercial, retail, hospitality, residential, and institutional settings. Rod has supported higher‑education and housing projects, large‑scale site and civil work, and a variety of renovation, tenant improvement, and equipment replacement efforts. He is involved with the Construction Management Association of America, NAIOP Hawaiʻi, and the Urban Land Institute. Rod earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Physics from the University of Hawaiʻi.


Jeanine Okubo
Senior Project Manager
Jeanine brings decades of experience in the AEC industry, having grown her career from early roles in architecture and construction into a highly skilled project management practice. Throughout her professional journey, she has earned strong client trust by delivering high‑quality work and fostering clear, effective communication among all project stakeholders. Her experience across architecture, marketing, and construction has equipped her with a versatile, collaborative approach that supports successful outcomes on complex projects and strengthens the TWG team.
Jeanine’s foundation in architecture continues to shape her work with a diverse range of clients, including those in the corporate and luxury retail sectors. She holds a B.A. in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley.


Donna Takeda
Program Manager
Donna brings over 20 years of business experience to her role at The Wilhelm Group, where she supports clients through the early stages of project development. She works closely with organizations that often manage multiple projects simultaneously, helping them navigate complex processes with clarity and confidence. Donna prioritizes strong communication and cross‑team coordination, ensuring all parties stay aligned and moving forward together. Her experience working alongside clients as they navigate operational and administrative needs has strengthened her ability to support the foundational phases of project development.
Her career has consistently aligned with her passion for serving clients and the broader community. Donna earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.


Sommerset Yamamoto
Program Manager
At The Wilhelm Group, Sommerset supports high‑impact public projects through strategic community engagement, clear stakeholder communication, and coordinated alignment across government agencies, consultants, and community partners. She brings a multidisciplinary background that strengthens collaboration, transparency, and program delivery across complex initiatives.
Prior to joining TWG, Sommerset served as a Senior Project Manager at Kamehameha Schools, where she supported strategic ʻāina‑based engagement and provided policy analysis across federal, state, and county matters. Her broader career includes more than a decade of experience in policy development, advocacy, and cross‑sector partnerships focused on community well‑being and environmental stewardship.
Sommerset is active in local leadership, serving as Vice Chair of the Honolulu Charter Commission and volunteering as a certified Crisis Text Line counselor. She earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and holds a B.A. in Psychology from The George Washington University.


Roxanne Lee Kwai
Project Manager
With experience in the construction industry spanning nearly two decades and multiple sectors, Roxanne contributes a practical, well‑informed perspective to the wide range of projects at The Wilhelm Group. She supports projects of varying size and scope with a consistent, experience‑based approach throughout all phases of work.
Roxanne has worked with large‑scale construction organizations across public and private sectors, including federal, commercial, hospitality, education, and community development. With a direct, engaged leadership style, Roxanne combines technical understanding with a thoughtful, people-centered approach, helping projects balance both their practical demands and their broader purposes. Roxanne is a U.S. Army Veteran.


Cori Okabayashi
Project Manager
Bringing a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set to the team, Cori is a valuable asset at the Wilhelm Group. With fifteen years of expertise in the non-profit and property management fields, Cori consistently delivers exceptional results and contributes to the success of various projects. Her advanced organizational and communication skills drive her commitment to providing outstanding solutions and exceeding client expectations.
Cori established a non-profit organization and served as the associate director where she managed budgeting and reports, as well as maintained quality client relationships. As a property manager, she focused on drafting tenant lease abstracts and upholding tenant satisfaction. Cori earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Colorado State University and a Master of Social Work from UH Manoa.


Curtis Okazaki
Project Manager
As a project manager at the Wilhelm Group, Curtis brings a distinct level of expertise and proficiency to the table. With his nearly forty years of experience in the banking sphere providing critical infrastructure oversight, Curtis lends his knowledge in the realms of facilities management, lease negotiation, and various levels of construction to every project that he works on.
Curtis’s experience spans across various levels of management with an emphasis on construction. In his role as vice president, Curtis was responsible for the construction, renovation and maintenance of new and existing sites, lease negotiations, as well as the management of property operating budgets, among others. Curtis earned his Bachelor of Education from the University of Hawaii.


Allison Gammel
Community Development Director
Allison brings over 20 years of expertise in communication, media, and community engagement to The Wilhelm Group, with a strong background supporting organizations within the construction industry in Hawaiʻi. Her experience developing and managing communication strategies for large and complex organizations and projects allows her to effectively support clients through thoughtful messaging, public outreach, and reputation management.
Throughout her career, Allison has led global communication initiatives, guided strategic marketing programs, and developed comprehensive outreach efforts that engage diverse audiences. Known for her collaborative approach and clarity of message, she helps clients navigate sensitive issues while building trust with stakeholders and the broader community. Allison holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication from the University of Portland.


Pam Kagawa
Office Manager
As Executive Assistant at The Wilhelm Group, Pam supports daily office operations through a wide range of administrative and managerial responsibilities. With a strong focus on organization and efficiency, she helps ensure smooth internal coordination and consistent support for both the TWG team and its clients. Her long‑standing experience and approachable communication style contribute to a productive and well‑run office environment.
Pam has worked with several large‑scale construction companies in roles including accountant, office manager, subcontract administrator, and executive assistant. Her background includes experience with firms such as Kiewit Companies and Irongate. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Hawaiʻi.


Kate Wilhelm
Director of Administration
Kate serves as Director of Administration at The Wilhelm Group, where she oversees office operations, administrative systems, and financial processes that support both project teams and firm‑wide efficiency. Her role includes managing billing and invoicing, coordinating day‑to‑day office functions, and providing ongoing support to project managers across multiple initiatives.
With a background that includes progressive roles within TWG, Kate brings a strong understanding of both project and organizational needs. She is known for her attention to detail, collaborative approach, and ability to streamline workflows that keep projects and internal operations running smoothly. Kate holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Construction Management from Hawaiʻi Pacific University, where she graduated with distinction.


Lance K. Wilhelm
President
With more than 30 years of experience in the building industry, Lance Wilhelm brings a deep understanding of how complex real estate, development, and construction projects are planned, funded, and delivered across Hawaiʻi. He began his career in construction in 1989 and has held roles at nearly every level of the industry, from entry‑level positions to executive leadership. In 2017, Lance founded The Wilhelm Group to provide project oversight, management, and strategic guidance for clients across the public, private, nonprofit, and for‑profit sectors.
Prior to launching TWG, Lance held senior leadership roles with prominent development and construction firms in Hawaiʻi, where he oversaw major hospitality, mixed‑use, and infrastructure projects, including large‑scale work in Waikīkī and on Honolulu’s rail transit system.
Active in both industry and community leadership, Lance serves on the boards of YMCA, Hawaiʻi Pacific University, Island Pacific Academy, and KUPU. He has also held key leadership positions, including serving as President of the General Contractors Association of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Developers’ Council, and the West Oʻahu Economic Development Association, and previously serving on the Board of Trustees for Kamehameha Schools. Lance is also an active member of GCA, GCLA, NAIOP Hawaiʻi, the Urban Land Institute, and the Waikīkī Improvement Association.
Lance is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.


Jesse Dowsett
Vice President
As Vice President at The Wilhelm Group, Jesse provides leadership across a wide range of development and construction projects, frequently serving as Owner’s Representative. His work spans the full project lifecycle, from early feasibility and pre-development through construction, supporting clear decision-making and consistent project delivery.
Before joining TWG in 2017, Jesse spent over a decade working as a general contractor, bringing a strong builder’s perspective to owner and developer representation. His experience includes resort and hospitality, multi-family, education, aviation, commercial, and tenant improvement projects throughout Hawaiʻi. He is known for fostering alignment among owners, designers, and contractors by proactively managing risk and translating design intent into practical, buildable solutions.
Jesse is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University.


Matt Castro
Senior Project Manager
For over a decade, Matt has built and managed projects of all sizes and with various levels of complexity. With a unique focus on sustainability, Matt has gained experience in handling client and subcontractor interfaces, project coordination and issue resolution, scheduling, and contract administration. Matt leverages his background and experience at The Wilhelm Group to help manage a growing number of projects in the interest of providing a successful final product for clients and partners alike.
Matt boasts extensive knowledge of multiple levels of construction management, having worked in positions from LEED engineer to construction manager and project engineer. Matt also brings over ten years of hands-on experience with large-scale construction projects. As a graduate of the University of Hawaii, Matt earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Environmental Design & Construction.


Rod Nagao
Senior Project Manager
Rod has built and managed construction projects across multiple disciplines and industries for nearly 30 years. His background includes roles with civil contractors, general contractors, subcontractors, and consulting teams, giving him a broad understanding of how projects are approached and delivered. At The Wilhelm Group, Rod supports a range of ongoing and developing projects, contributing practical insight throughout the project process.
His work spans commercial, retail, hospitality, residential, and institutional settings. Rod has supported higher‑education and housing projects, large‑scale site and civil work, and a variety of renovation, tenant improvement, and equipment replacement efforts. He is involved with the Construction Management Association of America, NAIOP Hawaiʻi, and the Urban Land Institute. Rod earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Physics from the University of Hawaiʻi.


Jeanine Okubo
Senior Project Manager
Jeanine brings decades of experience in the AEC industry, having grown her career from early roles in architecture and construction into a highly skilled project management practice. Throughout her professional journey, she has earned strong client trust by delivering high‑quality work and fostering clear, effective communication among all project stakeholders. Her experience across architecture, marketing, and construction has equipped her with a versatile, collaborative approach that supports successful outcomes on complex projects and strengthens the TWG team.
Jeanine’s foundation in architecture continues to shape her work with a diverse range of clients, including those in the corporate and luxury retail sectors. She holds a B.A. in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley.


Donna Takeda
Program Manager
Donna brings over 20 years of business experience to her role at The Wilhelm Group, where she supports clients through the early stages of project development. She works closely with organizations that often manage multiple projects simultaneously, helping them navigate complex processes with clarity and confidence. Donna prioritizes strong communication and cross‑team coordination, ensuring all parties stay aligned and moving forward together. Her experience working alongside clients as they navigate operational and administrative needs has strengthened her ability to support the foundational phases of project development.
Her career has consistently aligned with her passion for serving clients and the broader community. Donna earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.


Sommerset Yamamoto
Program Manager
At The Wilhelm Group, Sommerset supports high‑impact public projects through strategic community engagement, clear stakeholder communication, and coordinated alignment across government agencies, consultants, and community partners. She brings a multidisciplinary background that strengthens collaboration, transparency, and program delivery across complex initiatives.
Prior to joining TWG, Sommerset served as a Senior Project Manager at Kamehameha Schools, where she supported strategic ʻāina‑based engagement and provided policy analysis across federal, state, and county matters. Her broader career includes more than a decade of experience in policy development, advocacy, and cross‑sector partnerships focused on community well‑being and environmental stewardship.
Sommerset is active in local leadership, serving as Vice Chair of the Honolulu Charter Commission and volunteering as a certified Crisis Text Line counselor. She earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and holds a B.A. in Psychology from The George Washington University.


Roxanne Lee Kwai
Project Manager
With experience in the construction industry spanning nearly two decades and multiple sectors, Roxanne contributes a practical, well‑informed perspective to the wide range of projects at The Wilhelm Group. She supports projects of varying size and scope with a consistent, experience‑based approach throughout all phases of work.
Roxanne has worked with large‑scale construction organizations across public and private sectors, including federal, commercial, hospitality, education, and community development. With a direct, engaged leadership style, Roxanne combines technical understanding with a thoughtful, people-centered approach, helping projects balance both their practical demands and their broader purposes. Roxanne is a U.S. Army Veteran.


Cori Okabayashi
Project Manager
Bringing a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set to the team, Cori is a valuable asset at the Wilhelm Group. With fifteen years of expertise in the non-profit and property management fields, Cori consistently delivers exceptional results and contributes to the success of various projects. Her advanced organizational and communication skills drive her commitment to providing outstanding solutions and exceeding client expectations.
Cori established a non-profit organization and served as the associate director where she managed budgeting and reports, as well as maintained quality client relationships. As a property manager, she focused on drafting tenant lease abstracts and upholding tenant satisfaction. Cori earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Colorado State University and a Master of Social Work from UH Manoa.


Curtis Okazaki
Project Manager
As a project manager at the Wilhelm Group, Curtis brings a distinct level of expertise and proficiency to the table. With his nearly forty years of experience in the banking sphere providing critical infrastructure oversight, Curtis lends his knowledge in the realms of facilities management, lease negotiation, and various levels of construction to every project that he works on.
Curtis’s experience spans across various levels of management with an emphasis on construction. In his role as vice president, Curtis was responsible for the construction, renovation and maintenance of new and existing sites, lease negotiations, as well as the management of property operating budgets, among others. Curtis earned his Bachelor of Education from the University of Hawaii.


Allison Gammel
Community Development Director
Allison brings over 20 years of expertise in communication, media, and community engagement to The Wilhelm Group, with a strong background supporting organizations within the construction industry in Hawaiʻi. Her experience developing and managing communication strategies for large and complex organizations and projects allows her to effectively support clients through thoughtful messaging, public outreach, and reputation management.
Throughout her career, Allison has led global communication initiatives, guided strategic marketing programs, and developed comprehensive outreach efforts that engage diverse audiences. Known for her collaborative approach and clarity of message, she helps clients navigate sensitive issues while building trust with stakeholders and the broader community. Allison holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication from the University of Portland.


Pam Kagawa
Office Manager
As Executive Assistant at The Wilhelm Group, Pam supports daily office operations through a wide range of administrative and managerial responsibilities. With a strong focus on organization and efficiency, she helps ensure smooth internal coordination and consistent support for both the TWG team and its clients. Her long‑standing experience and approachable communication style contribute to a productive and well‑run office environment.
Pam has worked with several large‑scale construction companies in roles including accountant, office manager, subcontract administrator, and executive assistant. Her background includes experience with firms such as Kiewit Companies and Irongate. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Hawaiʻi.


Kate Wilhelm
Director of Administration
Kate serves as Director of Administration at The Wilhelm Group, where she oversees office operations, administrative systems, and financial processes that support both project teams and firm‑wide efficiency. Her role includes managing billing and invoicing, coordinating day‑to‑day office functions, and providing ongoing support to project managers across multiple initiatives.
With a background that includes progressive roles within TWG, Kate brings a strong understanding of both project and organizational needs. She is known for her attention to detail, collaborative approach, and ability to streamline workflows that keep projects and internal operations running smoothly. Kate holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Construction Management from Hawaiʻi Pacific University, where she graduated with distinction.