Kevin Imanaka has been hired as the new KS director of Communications. Imanaka replaces Kekoa Paulsen, who has moved into a new position with the Communications Group as senior consultant for executive communications.

In partnership with leadership from across the organization, Imanaka will be responsible for driving the strategic communications efforts that serve to promote, protect and enhance the KS brand with key internal and external stakeholders critical to the organization’s continued success.

Imanaka began his new role on May 30, 2017.

“Kevin brings an extensive communications background in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, having served in various communications and leadership roles at well-known, complex organizations here locally,” said KS Vice President of Communications and Chief Communications Officer Kevin Cockett.  “I’m excited to have Kevin join our team and help drive our work forward.”

Over the last four years, Imanaka served as director of Internal and Corporate Communications at Hawaiian Airlines, where he created structured employee communications programs that have played a pivotal role in advancing the organization during a period in which its workforce has rapidly diversified and nearly doubled in size.  

Earlier, Imanaka was with Kaiser Permanente as the Hawai‘i medical group’s director of Communications and Community Relations, where he helped to build among the physicians a culture of innovation, systems-thinking and collaboration through focused communications and leadership programs.

“I can think of no greater honor than to serve our keiki and community through the broad educational goals and endeavors of Kamehameha Schools, and to support the focused mission that we share with our partners in building a better future for all Native Hawaiians,” Imanaka said.  

“I’m excited to be a part of the rich history, traditions and excellence that define the experience and value of a Kamehameha education. I’m humbled by the opportunity to help further enhance our reputation in the global community, as well as strengthen the connection we all have to each other and to the organization.”

Imanaka is a graduate of Punahou School, and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

STRATEGIC PLAN 2020
SP2020 is a five-year strategic plan that will guide Kamehameha Schools from 2015 to 2020. The plan marks a starting point toward KS’ Vision 2040, which envisions success for all Native Hawaiian learners.

Imanaka’s hiring addresses Action 7 of the Ten Actions for fiscal year 17, which calls for KS to strengthen leadership to improve performance and accountability.

I can think of no greater honor than to serve our keiki and community through the broad educational goals and endeavors of Kamehameha Schools, and to support the focused mission that we share with our partners in building a better future for all Native Hawaiians.
Kevin Imanaka, KS Director of Communications

TAGS
16-17action7,faculty staff,ksorg

CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Employee ‘Ohana, New Hires, Newsroom

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