Ernest K. Wilson is a retired executive and Army officer with over 50 plus years of experience in travel, hospitality, food service, military logistics, and higher education. In the civilian arena held numerous executive management and senior staff positions for hospitality organizations including Holiday Inns, Embassy Suites, Sheraton Hotels, and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts. Management positions included Hotel General Manager, Area Hotel Manager, Director of Hotel Operations, and Director of Holiday Inn University. Senior staff positions included Worldwide Director of Training and Director of Human Resources.
As an Army officer led organizations in Germany, Hawaiʻi, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Vietnam. Served two tours in Vietnam as the staff officer in charge of food service operations for all U.S. Army and Allied Forces, and as the Director U.S. Army Vietnam Club System respectively.
Spent the last 15 years in academia teaching, developing/implementing new curriculum and degree programs, and in administration. Served as Dean of Hawaiʻi Pacific University TIM program, Program Director University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Casino Management program, Director USM Culinary Arts, and Dean School of Hospitality Resort and Culinary Management at Paul Smith’s College in New York.
Held director or chair positions on the boards and/or committees of national and state industry organizations. Several include the American Hotel and Lodging Association, International Food Service Executives Association, Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, Long Beach (CA) Hotel/Motel Association, Mississippi Hotel and Lodging Association, and Mississippi Tourism Association. Currently serving the Kula Catholic Community as a Lector and Chair for the Holy Ghost Feast.
Education: Kamehameha Schools, Cornell University (BS), Florida International University (MS), California International Business University (Honorary Doctorate of Business).
He lives with his wife Walburga (aka Wally) in Kula Hawaiian Homelands.
