Director: Douglass Shipman Adams 

Douglass Shipman Adams, a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, served twenty years as an Army intelligence officer after graduating from West Point. Now an attorney, he remains active in a variety of non-profit and public sector organizations, as well as vice-chair of WH Shipman, Ltd.

With his wife, Colonel Deb Lewis, in 2010-2011 he bicycled over 18,000 miles through all fifty states to highlight issues facing our country’s veterans, military, and their families. Deb and Doug are very proud of their three adult children and cherish their grandson.

Deputy Director: Frecia Cevallos

Frecia Cevallos has worked in the Department of Research and Development for 15 years.  Prior to her current role, she was the Specialist in Tourism and Culture, Sustainability, and Community-based Economic Development.  Previous to her work with the County, Frecia worked in social services on Hawaiʻi Island, Festivals and Events in Seattle, public relations and political campaign management for the United Nations and Amnesty International, and owned a small business. Frecia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and a Master’s in Political Science.   

Private Secretary:  Joelle Hew Len Lee 

Joelle serves as the Private Secretary to Director Douglass Adams.  Prior to her current role, she was the Private Secretary to the Managing Director with the Office of the Mayor.

Originally from California, where she worked for the State of California with the Department of Social Services, Senior Care Licensing Program, Joelle enjoyed working with the elderly and eventually became an Administrator for a senior care home specializing for people with psychiatric disorders.  She later had the opportunity to move to Hawaiʻi where she met her future husband Wayne.

Joelle is happily married and resides in Hilo.  Their hobbies include attending comic cons, fishing and collecting classic cars.