By Staff Reports
(Honolulu)– Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced today his selection of Nola Miyasaki as the director designate of the City’s Department of Human Resources (DHR). Miyasaki, the current director of the Department of Customer Services, will step into her new role on Monday, Feb. 7, 2022. She replaces former DHR director Noel Ono, who retired on Dec. 31, 2021 after an 18-year career with the City and County of Honolulu.
“Nola is the consummate professional who is widely respected as an exceptional leader and business executive with vision and an entrepreneurial spirit,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Her ability to drive successful execution has been a hallmark of her commitment to excellence throughout her stellar career. A gifted communicator, motivator and problem solver, Nola is also a wonderful person who is perfectly suited, and well qualified to tackle the enormous challenge of further developing our Department of Human Resources.”
“It is an honor and a privilege to be asked to lead the city’s efforts to keep its employees engaged, motivated and making a meaningful contribution to public service,” said Nola Miyasaki, DHR director designate. “I am excited to join the department’s talented management team, and look forward to meeting challenges and embracing opportunities as we prepare the City and County of Honolulu’s workforce for the future.”
Prior to joining the City in January 2021, Miyasaki’s experience included leading the State’s Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation and most recently, as the chief development officer for Rehab Hospital of the Pacific Foundation. Among Nola’s many professional accomplishments, her distinguished career includes stints at the University of Florida as Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center and Director at Oklahoma State University’s Riata Center for Entrepreneurship. Nola also served at Syracuse University as Executive Director of the Undergraduate and Graduate Entrepreneurship Programs, where she earned a top 10 ranking within 5 years according to the U.S. News and World Report rankings. Miyasaki spent six years as a sports agent for the world’s largest and oldest sports management agency, the International Management Group (IMG).
Nola completed her undergraduate degree from Stanford University, received her J.D. from the University of California Hastings Law College and also earned an M.B.A. from Syracuse University.
Deputy Director Kim Hashiro will serve as acting director for the Customer Services Department until a permanent appointment has been selected.