Can’t resist sharing a photo of her playing Congresswoman Mazie Hirono in last year’s show.

It’s always interesting to see what changes former journalists bring to public relations offices. From a reporter’s perspective, I can’t help hoping for ever greater transparency at UH and in the Department of Education.

The University of Hawai‘i System is pleased to announce that KITV Island Television news anchor/reporter Jodi Leong will join the university as its new Director of Communications on March 15. Leong will be responsible for assisting with the university’s communications strategy, news media relations, publicizing the university’s strengths and initiatives, branding and messaging, and marketing efforts. She will report to and work closely with Associate Vice President of External Affairs and University Relations Lynne Waters.

“The University of Hawai‘i is rapidly adapting to contemporary ways of communicating and Jodi Leong’s long career in broadcast journalism and strong professional connections to members of the news media in Hawai‘i will be of great value to our reach and effectiveness,” Waters said. “Jodi is extremely respected and well-liked by both her peers and her supervisors; and that speaks volumes for her work ethic and expertise.”

Jodi Leong received her B.A. Degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Hawai‘i, with a minor in Political Science. She began her broadcast career at KITV in 1991 as a producer, on-camera reporter and weekend anchor. In 2000 she moved to KHNL Hawai‘i News 8 where she was weeknight co-anchor. She returned to KITV in 2006 as a reporter and helped inaugurate the first weekend morning newscast in the state in 2010, which she co-anchored with Paul Drewes.

A talented singer and dancer, Leong has been a staple of the news media’s annual “Gridiron Review” which serves as a satire of local personalities and stories and is a fund-raiser for the Society of Professional Journalists’ internship program. She helped choreograph and performed in the show to great local acclaim and sell-out crowds. Jodi is a graduate of Castle High School and the Ron Bright Theater Program.