Joann G. Camacho is 2015 Businesswoman of the Year

TUMON, Guam—Joann G. Camacho, director of market development for DFS Guam, was presented the Maga’håga award and named the 2015 First Hawaiian Bank and Guam Business Magazine Businesswoman of the Year at the 10th Annual Businesswoman of the Year Gala on Sept. 6 at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

Camacho was selected from eight nominees in this year’s program, which recognizes businesswomen who have made significant contributions to their industries and have demonstrated a strong commitment to their community. Her photo is featured on the cover of Guam Business Magazine’s September–October issue, which was released at the gala.

Joann G. Camacho

Camacho has served as the director of market development for DFS Guam for the past three years. A 1974 graduate of Academy of Our Lady of Guam, Camacho received her bachelor’s degree in finance management from the University of San Francisco in 1978. Over the past year, she has helped DFS Guam grow the Guam Unique Merchandise and Art program to support local artists and cultural practitioners, helping to promote Chamorro culture and giving the artists an opportunity to showcase and sell their work in a luxury retail setting.

Camacho is a member of the Guam Visitors Bureau and the Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free organization, as well as an active member of various boards of directors, including the Tourism Education Council, the Guam Tourism Foundation, the Latte of Freedom, the Guam chapter of the American Red Cross and Guam Unique Merchandise and Art.

Proceeds from the gala will fund scholarships for students pursuing business and related degrees at the University of Guam, Guam Community College, and Northern Marianas College.

Camacho joins the previous Businesswoman of the Year Maga’håga award recipients: Shirley Ann T. Sablan, executive vice president and general manager of Pacifica Insurance Underwriters Inc. (2014); F. Marie Calvo-Monge, chief operating officer and executive producer of Pacific Telestations (2013); Mary P. Rhodes, president of the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association and president of MARQ Consulting Services (2012); Joyce Q. Crisostomo, executive director of Cars Plus and president of Payless Car Rental (2011); Anna Wang Kao, founder and president of Genghis Khan Furniture Co. (2010); Lorraine S. Okada, president of Okada Managing Consulting Services (2009); Julienne Rose Perez Duenas, physical therapist, owner and clinical director of Sports, Orthopedic and Active Rehabilitation Inc. (2008); Christine Won Pat Baleto, general manager of Market Wholesale Distributors (2007); and Katherine C. Sgro, executive vice president and chairwoman of the board for Pay-Less Markets Inc. (2006).