Ag Leadership Foundation resume for board member Diane Ley

BIOGRAPHY OF DIANE LEY

Diane Ley is the Deputy Director of the Department of Research and Development for the County of Hawai`i. The Department is responsible for providing pro-active leadership, enhancing the quality of life and sustainability of Hawai`i island’s communities through programs in agriculture, new business development, energy, tourism, film and community development. She currently serves as a board member of the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai`i and is the Hawai`i Island representative to the Hawai`i Board of Agriculture.

Experience

Diane previously served as the Deputy to the Chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. She operated a vegetable farm in Volcano and was an administrative assistant with the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation for 11 years. Diane’s work and business experience and volunteer efforts have provided her with deep insight into the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in Hawaii today. She also has a strong grasp of the legislative process at the county, state, and federal levels. She served as a legislative assistant to the Hawaii County Council and this coupled with lobbying efforts for the Farm Bureau has strengthened her skills in affecting policy and decision-making.

A resident of Volcano for 33 years, Diane has a strong understanding and commitment to our rural communities. Her previous employment with the Hilo Main Street Program provided opportunities to facilitate a small business community in determining its preferred future.

An alumnus of class VII of the Agricultural Leadership Foundation, Diane was trained in facilitation and strategic planning. She has the ability to listen well and the sincere desire to bring people together to seek balanced solutions, which everyone in the community can live with and support.