Barbara DeFranco - Executive Director
During the past 20 years, Barbara DeFranco has been in charge of various Buddhist centers in Hawaii. She is the primary visionary and founder of Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary. Her skills include landscape designer, community facilitator and skilled writer. She shares in the financial support of the Center by managing a retail store, the Indich Collection.

Salvador Galindo - Director
Sal brings his background in construction and engineering to maintain and upgrade the many buildings at Paleaku.His friendly personality, genuine humor and practical approach keeps Paleaku moving forward.His personal involvement in the community, and on the golf course, creates networking and fund-raising oppurtunities.

Mariah Dodd - Director
Mariah H. Dood, MSW, brings her skills as a grant writer, counselor, and visionary. She has worked for over 20 years in the field as a child and family counselor, school counselor, and program manager for several non-profit agencies focused on community involvement activities for children and families.

Merle Wood - Director
Merle Wood is a retired Kona coffee farmer.  Formerly he was Senior Legal Counsel in a multi-national corporation.  He is past President of Hawaii Organic Farmers Association and the Kona Coffee Counse.  He has been involved with Paleaku since 1998.  Recently he served as the Treasurer of the Dzogchen Community of Hawaii