Hawaii Speakers Hall of Fame
Inaugural Class Inductees
Makana is a nationally recognized event speaker and corporate trainer who is a
founding member and Past President of the Speakers Association of Hawaii. With a
background as a fitness coach, lawyer, and humorist, she inspires people to achieve
well-being with workouts, meditation, and chocolate! As a trainer, she helps companies
prevent burnout, turnover, and lawsuits with training on well-being and law—with humor.
For over 20 years, Makana has contributed her time, talent, and expertise to the
advancement of Hawaii’s professional speaking community.
R. Makana Risser Chai is a Hawaii Speakers Hall of Fame 2021 inaugural inductee for
her expertise as a speaker and her commitment to promoting professional speaking in
Hawaii.
Annabel is one of the founding members of the Speakers Association of Hawaii who for more than 20 years genuinely gives from her heart to support and promote all professional speakers in Hawaii. As an award-winning motivational keynote speaker, corporate trainer, professional development coach and author Annabel brings the spirit of Aloha to her audiences.
Annabel Chotzen is a 2021 inaugural Hawaii Speakers Hall of Fame inductee recognized for her skill as a presenter and her contributions to professional speaking in Hawaii
Ed Rigsbee, CSP, CAE, an internationally acclaimed professional speaker, author, association executive, and philanthropist is obsessed with helping individuals and organizations to both receive and give more return on investment (ROI) in everything that they do. He will help your organization to elevate your business relationships from ordinary to extraordinary; in service, results, and profitability. Ed is the originator of the “Member ROI Valuation Process” and term, “Member ROI-Centric Organization.” Ed’s ongoing commitment to helping Hawaii’s speakers succeed both in person and via virtual means is worthy of recognition. For more than 20 years Ed has provided training, workshops, and consulting to assist Hawaii’s professional speakers to advance their careers and success. Ed Rigsbee is a 2021 inaugural Hawaii Speakers Hall of Fame inductee both for his recognized expertise as a professional speaker and his real-world sharing and demonstrated commitment to advancing professional speakers in Hawaii.
Jamie Champagne is, in 2022, the President of the Speakers Association of Hawaii having taken on that responsibility in 2020. During her tenure she has led the SAH through a variety of challenges and, using her internationally recognized skill as a Business Analyst, helped to increase member value exponentially and concurrently opportunities for professional speakers in Hawaii.
Jamie is an in-demand speaker and trainer who has committed much of her time and energy to advancing the art, business, and craft of professional speaking in Hawaii.
Jamie Champagne is a 2021 inaugural Hawaii Speakers Hall of Fame inductee for her demonstrated expertise as a professional speaker and trainer and her dedication to Hawaii’s professional speaker community.
Major Jeffrey B. Owens, CTM, CVP (HPD Ret.) is a dynamic speaker and trainer who draws on his experience as a police officer, hostage negotiator, corporate executive, business owner, and as a Board-Certified Threat Manager to deliver high quality presentations and training that achieve results.
Using his experience of moving “From the Streets to the C suites”, he focuses on solutions rather than problems in developing highly effective leaders, enhancing workplace relations, reducing workplace conflict, and improving organizational effectiveness.
Jeff is one of the founders and a Past President of the Speakers Association of Hawaii and continues to actively promote the speaking profession in Hawaii, and to make Hawaii’s speakers more visible and accessible to meeting planners and event organizers.
Jeffrey Owens is a 2021 inaugural Hawaii Speakers Hall of Fame inductee for his skill as a speaker and his contributions to the advancement of professional speaking in Hawaii.
The 2021 inaugural Hawaii Speakers Hall of Fame inductees were selected based upon their recognized expertise as professional speakers and for their contributions to the advancement of professional speaking in Hawaii. If may be noted that three of them are among the founders of the Speakers Association of Hawaii. The Speakers Association of Hawaii (SAH) has for more than 20 years been in the forefront of promoting Hawaii’s speakers, trainers, and coaches; providing networking, workshops, training opportunities, and elevating awareness of Hawaii’s professional speakers to meeting planners and event organizers. For these reasons, the inductee’s role in the establishment of the SAH, along with their proven skill in the art, business, and craft of professional speaking was a strong consideration in their selection.
Special Recognition
Clive Joseph Buchanan
Founder, Speakers Association of Hawaii
Clive Joseph Buchanan passed away peacefully at his home September 9, 2021, after a short intense battle with leukemia. He is recognized posthumously as a 2021 inaugural Hawaii Speakers Hall of Fame inductee for his enduring contribution to all of Hawaii’s professional speakers.
Clive Buchanan is recognized for his contribution to the advancement of professional speaking in Hawaii. A speaker and author known as “The Lion of the Platform” he saw the lack of recognition and support for the professional speakers who call Hawaii their home. In the mid-1990’s Clive set-out to create an association where established and aspiring professional speakers could come together in a spirit of harmony and mutual support to advance their skills and opportunities and so, the Speakers Association of Hawaii was formed.
As a direct result of Clive’s vision, the Speakers Association of Hawaii continues to this day as the premier professional speaker’s association in Hawaii and the Pacific area. The number of speakers whose careers and success have been enhanced through their membership in the Speakers Association of Hawaii is immeasurable.