By Staff Reports

(LĪHU‘E)- Within the walls of the Historic County Building and neighboring Annex Building, the Office of the County Clerk, encompassing the Council Services and Elections Division, quietly and efficiently prepares for the Kaua‘i County Council’s weekly meetings, responds to inquiries from the public and prepares for the upcoming election year with the highest standard of service.

At the helm of the operation is Jade K. Fountain-Tanigawa, Deputy County Clerk of the County of Kaua‘i’s Office of the County Clerk.

Fountain-Tanigawa was recently selected by Pacific Business News as a finalist in the “2014 Women Who Mean Business: Businesswoman of the Year” awards for the nonprofit organization category.

To qualify for PBN Businesswoman of the Year, the nominated individual must demonstrate exceptional leadership and business acumen, and a strong commitment to making Hawai‘i a better place through their hands-on approach to community service.

As the first female Deputy County Clerk for the County of Kaua‘i, Fountain-Tanigawa brings over 22 years of public service in working for the Office of the County Clerk. She previously held the position of Council Services Review Officer and Legislative Assistant prior to her appointment of Deputy County Clerk in 2012. She currently supervises 25 employees and coordinates the daily operations of the Office of the County Clerk.

Fountain-Tanigawa’s significant contributions to the Office of the County Clerk include oversight of the County’s annual budget process for the legislative branch, serving as a conduit between the legislative and executive branch in County government, and providing exceptional leadership and encouraging balance while navigating the sometimes challenging political landscape of County government.

Fountain-Tanigawa is a graduate of the University of Redlands in Redlands, California and an alumna of The Kamehameha Schools. Born and raised on Kaua‘i, Fountain-Tanigawa’s family originates from the North Shore of Kaua‘i (Hanalei and Kalihiwai). She is the daughter of Joyce and the late Lana Fountain. Fountain-Tanigawa is married to Troy Tanigawa and together they raise their two sons Troy Jr. (15) and Trenton (6).

“I have never met a more dedicated individual who is able to prioritize, multi-task, and lead an organization like Fountain-Tanigawa is able to do as the Deputy County Clerk for the County of Kaua‘i,” said Council Chair Jay Furfaro.

County Clerk Ricky Watanabe stated in his letter of recommendation, “Fountain-Tanigawa has been the backbone of Council Services for many years. Her finest trait is her ability to lead the Office of the County Clerk staff by motivating each individual to maximize their highest potential and elevate the standard of service within the office by the example she sets each and every day.”

The 2014 Businesswoman of the Year award event will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2014 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on O‘ahu.

The Office of the County Clerk is charged with providing service to the Kaua‘i County Council to carry out its legislative function, service to the community and public at large, and to provide organized, accessible and secure election services for residents of the County of Kaua‘i.