By Staff Reports
(HONOLULU) – Mayor Rick Blangiardi today announced the appointment of Deborah Zysman as the new Deputy Director for the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization (OER), effective August 18, 2025.
Zysman joins OER with more than 20 years of experience leading nonprofit organizations and building large-scale, systemic solutions to strengthen communities. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Hawai‘i Children’s Action Network (HCAN), where she spearheaded statewide initiatives to improve the well-being of Hawai‘i’s children and families. Under her leadership, HCAN expanded its mission, grew its operating budget sevenfold, diversified revenue streams, and advanced high-impact policy changes, including the establishment of Hawai‘i’s public pre-K program and the expansion of early intervention services.
Prior to HCAN, Zysman served as Executive Director of the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i, where her advocacy efforts helped reduce the state’s smoking rate from 27% to 14% and positioned Hawai‘i as a leader in tobacco control policies. Her career has spanned public health, economic justice, and social service initiatives, earning her numerous honors, including the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Hoʻokele Award for Non-Profit Leadership and the Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation’s AIM for Excellence in Non-Profit Management Award.
“Deborah Zysman brings an extraordinary depth of successful experience, energy, and a proven ability to deliver measurable results that improve lives,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Her leadership in advocacy, economic justice, and community development will be instrumental as we work to strengthen Honolulu’s economy and create opportunities for all residents.”
In her new role, Zysman will support the Office of Economic Revitalization’s efforts to drive equitable growth, support small businesses, attract investments, and build resilient communities across O‘ahu.
“I’m honored to join the Office of Economic Revitalization as Deputy Director,” said Deborah Zysman. “Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to making Hawai‘i a place where all people—no matter their background—can thrive. I’m excited to bring that same passion for equity and economic justice to this role, working to strengthen our local economy in ways that truly serve our communities.”
Zysman holds a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.A. in Psychology from Boston University. She is a Weinberg Fellow and has been recognized by Pacific Business News as one of Hawai‘i’s “Forty Under 40.”
Her official start date with OER is Monday, August 18, 2025