Susan (Miyamoto) Utsugi '82

Distinguished Alumni (2015)

Susan (Miyamoto) Utsugi ’82 is the senior vice president and director of business banking at Central Pacific Bank (CPB). If you live in Hawaii, you’ve likely seen her face on local television commercials and in print ads, promoting the bank’s small business program. When asked how she became “the face” of CPB, she humbly says it was an accident. Nevertheless, her passion to help small businesses succeed is clearly evident in her dedication to her team, clients and company. In 2012, Susan reestablished CPB’s Business Banking group as a stand-alone department. Since then, she has overseen the department and the development of her team by elevating the skills of Business Banking officers to add value to customer relationships and grow the business.

Susan’s career began with Bank of Hawaii’s management training program in 1986. In 2000, she joined CPB as vice president and business banking officer. In 2008, she was promoted to vice president and regional manager, overseeing half of CPB’s branches on Oahu.

Susan graduated from Seattle University with a business degree with an emphasis in finance. Through CPB, she graduated from Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.

Susan is an active member in the community. She serves as the secretary of the board for Hale Kipa, and is the treasurer for Hoops 4 Christ Hawaii. She is a board member for the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership, advisory board member for Hawaii Food Manufacturers, and past president of HBA’s Alumni Association.

Susan’s husband, Jim, is the head coach for Hawaii Pacific University’s men’s and women’s golf teams and runs his own small business, JJU LLC, which provides custom promotional items. Their older daughter, Noel '12, is a senior at Santa Clara University and is majoring in accounting. Their younger daughter, Sara '15, is a freshman at Chapman University.