Leadership

Piilani Gisela Benz leads strategy, federal partnerships, and program execution for Ali‘i Business Group (ABG), advancing the company’s impact across defense, energy, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and minerals. With more than a decade of experience guiding high-impact federal and nonprofit initiatives, she brings deep expertise in strategic planning, regulatory alignment, and stakeholder engagement. Rooted in cultural integrity and resilience, Piilani plays a central role in driving measurable outcomes for government and industry clients while strengthening ABG’s position as a global leader in innovation and mission-driven solutions.

Barbara Piilani Benz drives the vision, growth, and global strategy of Ali‘i Business Group (ABG), guiding innovation across defense, energy, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and minerals. With over 23 years of executive leadership in financial strategy, business development, and government contracting, she blends cultural integrity with operational excellence to expand economic impact in the U.S., UAE, and Native Hawaiian communities. Her leadership positions ABG as a trusted partner in solving the government’s most complex challenges with bold, innovative solutions.

Mukhtar Zeglam leads financial strategy and compliance for Ali‘i Business Group (ABG), bringing more than a decade of experience in corporate finance, banking, and federal contracting. With expertise managing multimillion-dollar portfolios and overseeing complex grants and contracts, he ensures ABG’s fiscal strength across defense, energy, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and minerals. His leadership combines data-driven decision-making with financial stewardship, supporting innovation, resilience, and measurable impact in U.S. and global markets.

Jonathan Croom directs program strategy and government solutions for Ali‘i Business Group (ABG), bringing cross-industry expertise in contracting, logistics, marketing, and nonprofit development. With a strong track record in designing and scaling federal programs, he advances ABG’s impact across defense, energy, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and minerals. Known as a tenacious problem-solver, Jonathan transforms challenges into opportunities—ensuring programs are contract-ready, compliant, and positioned for measurable success in both U.S. and global markets.

Paul De Moncada brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across defense, construction, logistics, and federal program management. A U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer and Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist, he has directed large-scale engineering operations, contingency planning, and multi-agency collaborations across the Pacific, Middle East, and Asia. Paul’s expertise spans budget and program management, infrastructure development, and consequence management, ensuring ABG delivers resilient, mission-ready solutions for government and industry partners worldwide.

Gerna K. Hanu Manuia Benz is a U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of The Ali‘i Group. He served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1970 before training elite military units in nuclear security, retiring in 1984. Following his military career, Gerna established international trade ventures in seafood, forestry, petroleum, and global commerce—building markets across Asia, Europe, and North America. A lifelong advocate for Native Hawaiian communities, he has also led nonprofit initiatives supporting veterans, families, and cultural preservation. His leadership blends military service, entrepreneurial innovation, and cultural stewardship, providing the foundation for ABG’s mission to deliver strategic solutions worldwide.

Rothwell Kalualahaina Naole is a decorated U.S. Army veteran and cultural leader, awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart for his service in Vietnam. Following his military career, he has dedicated his life to advocacy and community leadership, serving on the Waianae Military Civilian Advisory Council, Hale Na Au Pono, and as an officer with the VFW, Purple Heart Association, and DAV. A distinguished member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, he works to preserve Native Hawaiian traditions while supporting programs for veterans, youth, and elders. His leadership ensures ABG’s mission remains rooted in cultural integrity while advancing global impact.

Randy Perkins brings global expertise in strategic growth and partnerships, specializing in bridging U.S. government contracting opportunities with international execution for Ali’i Business Group (ABG). Based in Dubai, he leverages enterprise sales experience and extensive networks across the Middle East and North Africa to expand ABG’s reach. His expertise in partnership structures, distributor networks, and procurement processes ensures that ABG delivers scalable, compliant, and efficient solutions. Known for his resilience and commitment, Randy strengthens ABG’s ability to deliver impact across defense, energy, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and fuels.