Cheryl Takitani-Smith

About this Speaker

Maui-born Cheryl Takitani-Smith is the Chief Financial Officer for the State’s premier provider of dental benefits, Hawaii Dental Service (HDS). Her 29-year-long history with the company began as an Assistant Controller, who immediately became one of the core members of the team that turned HDS into a financially fit and sustainable business. In addition to overseeing all financial operations, Cheryl’s experience and analytical methodology earned her the responsibility of managing various departments such as Underwriting, Sales and Marketing. She is also the President of Hawaii Client Services (HCS), a subsidiary of HDS and serves as a Treasurer for HDS Foundation. Cheryl attended Baldwin High School on Maui and graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Her past community involvement includes the board for Junior Achievement and volunteer work with Kamehameha Schools. In her rare, but free time, Cheryl finds joy in cooking and spending quality time with her grandson.