Team
Our HiEmployment Management Team
Comprised of business leaders with decades of experience both locally and abroad, HiEmployment offers an unmatched understanding of the staffing industry. We understand the challenges involved with building the perfect team or following an exciting career path. Work with our team of professionals to help you find a long lasting and rewarding employment match.

Sean Knox - President & CEO - Hawaii Employment
Sean Knox is the CEO & President of HiEmployment and was previously the owner and President of POI Employment, LLC. Sean has over 18 years of experience in professional staffing in Hawaii. After working for a national, mainland based staffing agency, Sean decided to open POI Employment in April 2005 with a focus on personalized, high quality services. Sean has been working in business management since 1993, when he received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Puget Sound. Although Sean is a “local boy,” growing up on both the Big Island and Maui, his business management experience has taken him to Washington and England. In 1999, he returned home to Hawaii with his wife Sarah Knox.

Ann Keolanui-Manabat - Vice President
Ann joined the HiEmployment Team as a Staffing Manager in 2012. Her previous experience in the industry allowed her to return to the field she has a true passion for – Staffing and Human Resources. She appreciates the partnerships that have developed over the years with clients and candidates and believes those partnerships are the foundation of HiEmployment’s continuous growth. The business quickly grew during her tenure and Ann has had opportunity to lead, train and motivate new team members to the company. In 2014, she was named Employee of the Quarter. She also spent time assisting with the launch of our Kona and Maui branches. In 2016, Ann was promoted to O’ahu Branch Manager and in 2020, she was promoted to Vice President. She truly appreciates working with such a supportive team whose successes reflect the pride and joy they take in everything they do.
Ann also works as an Instructor for the B.I.A. (Building Industry Association), a project she is very passionate about. Her partnership with BIA allows Ann to work with future job seekers; providing training and helpful tips on creating your resume, preparing for interviews and job market analysis. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, getting lost in movies and listening to the peace and quiet of nature.

John Kaiwi - Area Manager (Kona)
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, our newest Staffing Manager, John, now resides in Kailua-Kona on Hawai’i Island. He has worked in Hotel & Hospitality Industry for approximately 15 years as a Hotel Manager. John’s most recent job was General Manager for the Kona Station of Alaska Airlines and Delta Global Services. An avid football fan, John has coached High School Varsity Football as well as Baseball and Track. He is also a combat Veteran who served in the Gulf War with the US Navy Search & Rescue Helicopter Combat Squadrons. In addition to having three grown children, John operates a Cross-Fit Program for candidates entering Military Service. He also spends time hunting, running, swimming, paddle boarding, kickboxing and doing jujitsu. We are happy to have John on our Big Island team and look forward to all the great things to come.

Katheryne Laureano - Staffing Manager (O'ahu)
Katheryne started off as Staffing Support and was recently promoted to a Staffing Manager for our Industrial Division. She has a BA in Political Science and Business Administration from the University of Oregon. She also holds a Masters in Human Resource Management from UH Manoa. She comes from years of experience in retail management and customer service. Katheryne has a passion for recruiting and is an integral part of the team at HiEmployment through her management of the company’s top clients. With an outgoing and friendly demeanor, she’s able to assist in finding you the perfect job. On a side note, she loves to dance hula, Tahitian and go to the beach.

Mary Ann Llamedo - Staffing Manager (O'ahu)
Mary Ann Llamedo was born in Great Falls, Montana but has called Honolulu home for more than 40 years. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, MVC; she recently completed her Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Science in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Mary Ann has been married to husband, Andy, for over 30 years and has three adult daughters who are teachers and professional musicians. Mary Ann spent 17 years in private school education, including administration, before joining the team at HiEmployment as our Educational Services Staffing Manager.

Stephanie Morris - Payroll Manager
Stephanie joined HiEmployment as a receptionist but soon moved to Staffing Support before becoming our Office Manager. She is our go-to expert for processing payroll, invoicing clients, and the day to day administrative tasks. She brings years of excellent customer service experience and holds an AAS degree from North Country Community College in New York. When she’s not in the office she enjoys going hiking, going to the beach and attending festivals. Stephanie now resides in Vermont and continues to support us remotely.
O'ahu
745 Fort Street
Suite 124
Honolulu, HI, 96813
Phone 808-695-3974
Kaua'i
2975 Haleko Road
Suite 303
Lihue, HI 96766
Phone 808-482-3900
Maui
62 N Market Street
Suite 300
Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone 808-856-4000
Hawai'i Island
Kona: 75-5656 Kuakini Highway Suite 102A
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone 808-238-3450
Hilo: 308 Kamehameha Avenue
Suite 109
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone 808-238-3741