OUR TEAM | The Wilhelm Group

LANCE K. WILHELM

President
Lance’s construction experience began in 1989 and has held virtually every line responsibility within the industry – from entry-level clerk to the highest-ranking executive. With his experience and expertise in every facet of construction, it’s his talent for relationship building and team motivation that successfully connects builders and buildings, concepts and concrete, the people and the ʻāina.

Lance has extensive experience primarily in large scale Construction and Development. He is an active member of the community, serving on the boards of YMCA, Hawaiʻi Pacific University, Island Pacific Academy, Kamehameha Schools, and KUPU. Lance is also a member of the GCA, GCLA, NAIOP Hawaiʻi, Urban Land Institute, and Waikīkī Improvement Association. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, Lance earned a B.A. in Communications from The University of Hawaiʻi.

JESSE DOWSETT

Vice President
As a partner at The Wilhelm Group, Jesse is responsible for projects primarily in the field of construction management. In addition to this area of focus, he provides additional services as for TWG as a real estate development and consulting practice. Jesse serves our clients by leveraging his experience overseeing large-scale construction projects both locally and abroad. From design through turnkey turnover, Jesse is an expert in finding solutions to any problem, big or small and motivating project teams to deliver at peak performance.

Jesse’s experience includes healthcare, corporate, hospitality, education, and multi-family residential projects. Jesse is an active member with the Construction Management Association of America, NAIOP, and Urban Land Institute. A graduate of of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, Jesse earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University.

Matt Castro

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.

Pam Kagawa

Administration
As the executive assistant at the Wilhelm Group, Pam performs a wide range of administrative and managerial tasks that ensure that everyday operations run smoothly. With a focus on and dedication to organization, Pam boasts nearly 40 years of experience as an administrator and uses her extensive interpersonal skills to boost the productivity of the company on all fronts while also leaving a lasting, positive impression on each and every client.

Pam has worked in various large-scale construction companies as an accountant, office manager, subcontract administrator and executive assistant. Previous companies of employment include Kiewit Companies and Irongate. As a graduate of the University of Hawaii, Pam earned a B.B.A in Accounting.

Roxanne Lee Kwai

Project Manager
With experience in the construction industry that spans over seventeen years and multiple industries, Roxanne brings a unique and extensive set of skills to the wide range of ongoing projects at the Wilhelm Group. Roxanne uses her background as a project engineer and manager to provide clients with a knowledgeable and dedicated perspective on any project, regardless of size or scope.

Roxanne has worked at various large-scale, multi-level construction organizations within different industries both as a project manager and project engineer. Such experiences have involved the negotiations of large change orders, as well as the management of multi-million dollar construction projects. Roxanne earned her Associates in Applied Sciences from Central Texas College, and her Bachelor’s from Capella University.

Rod Nagao

Senior Project Manager
For nearly 30 years, Rod has built and managed projects across multiple disciplines and in multiple industries. Having worked as a civil contractor, general contractor, subcontractor, and consultant, Rod’s experience spans all viewpoints of construction projects. Rod brings his diverse background and experience to The Wilhelm Group, helping to manage our growing clientele and range of ongoing and developing projects.

Rod has significant experience in the commercial, retail, hospitality, and residential markets. Rod is actively involved with the Construction Management Association of America, NAIOP Hawaii, and the Urban Land Institute. As a graduate of the University of Hawaii, Rod earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering and Physics.

Cori Okabayashi

Assistant 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.

Jeanine Okubo

Project Manager
With over twenty years of experience in project management, Jeanine has fostered client confidence in her ability to produce quality work and establish professional communication between all parties. Her effective collaboration skills in various fields from architecture, marketing, and construction have given her the necessary tools to become an efficient and highly accomplished project manager and member of the TWG team.

Jeanine’s start in architecture was foundational to her current role where she services a broad range of clients including the corporate and luxury retail industries. She is an active member of the Society for Marketing Professional Services. Jeanine earned a B.A. in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley.

Donna Takeda

Program Manager
Donna makes exceptional use of her over 20 years of experience in the marketing and fundraising sectors to provide the highest quality work for clients. With the knowledge she has gathered from managing large-scale companies’ operational improvements and administration, Donna applies every aspect of her previous expertise to her current position at The Wilhelm Group as a program manager with a team-focused attitude.

Donna’s roles have always aligned with her passion to serve clients and the broader community. She is actively involved with The Salvation Army, Honolulu Advisory Board. Donna earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from UH Manoa.