More than 30 men and women from across the state have been chosen for the 12th class of the Pacific Century Fellows program that aims to develop and strengthen Island leaders.

Modeled after the White House Fellows Program and founded in 1996 by Mufi Hannemann, the Pacific Century Fellows program chooses participants based on their educational background, career responsibilities, achievements, comments from superiors, involvement in community activities, communication skills and strength of character, according to a release from the organization.

Fellows are generally in the early and mid-stages of their careers, and have "demonstrated potential to make significant contributions to the community in the future."

The program begins with a retreat April 9 to 10, featuring seminars and discussions.

"Following the retreat, participants will help plan their agenda and schedule for the upcoming year and take part in at least one day-long program each month to investigate critical issues facing Hawaii in such areas as crime, education, environment, quality of life, the military, and the economy," according to the release.

The current class of fellows:

• Benjamin Ancheta Jr., 37, chief operating officer, ProService Hawaii.

• Lisa Ann Bail, 41, partner, Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP.

• Dawn Barsana, 33, associate project and design manager, CH2M Hill.

• John Cheever, 39, teacher, Punahou School.

• Taryn Dean, 33, clinical director of crisis services, CARE Hawaii.

• John Dill, 34, Hawai'i project manager, Rider Levett Bucknall.

• Rona Fukumoto, 40, intake director, Catholic Charities of Hawai'i.

• Frances Gendrano, 33, principal broker, KFG Properties Inc.

• Kimberly Horan, 35, human resources consultant, ALTRES.

• Jessica Horiuchi, 35, executive director, Alaka'ina Foundation.

• Daniel Kim, 40, senior vice president and Ala Moana regional manager, Bank of Hawaii.

• Kamani Kuala'au, 30, vice president, institutional client services, Bank of Hawaii.

• Bryan Li, 31, vice president, Hawai'i regional manager, Cirrus Asset Management

• Jen-L Wong Lyman, 38, vice president, trust, First Hawaiian Bank.

• Keith Marrack, 38, financial adviser, Edward Jones.

• Yvette Maskrey , 43, district manager, Honeywell International.

• Michael Morales, 38, executive director, Center of Excellence, Hawaiian Telcom.

• Mary Moriarty, 34, vice president/regional manager, Trinity Property Consultants LLC.

• Marla Musick, 42, communications director, Hawai'i Arts Alliance.

• Bryan Nakamoto, 38, partner, Spectrum Wealth Management.

• Nathan Nelson, 36, associate attorney, Carlsmith Ball LLP.

• Matthew Ramsey, 32, natural area reserve specialist IV, state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

• Chad Sakumoto, 28, project manager/chief investment officer, J. Kadowaki Inc.

• Daniel Sandomire, 39, vice president/development manager, Armstrong Development.

• Suzanne Schulberg, 33, chief operating officer, 15 Craigside.

• Michael Takayama, 32, real estate department manager, Kyo-ya Management Group

• David Tumilowicz, 39, publisher, Hawaii Business magazine aio group/PacificBasin Communications.

• Ryan Tam, 36, systems planning manager for rapid transit, city Transportation Services.

• Stephany Vaioleti, 38, assistant administrator, Kahuku Medical Center.

• Rick Volner Jr., 35, senior vice president for agricultural operations, Hawaiian Commercial Sugar Co.

• LTC Ralph Williams, 41, J132 branch chief, Plans, Exercise & Readiness, U.S. Pacific Command.