Donalyn Dela Cruz Joins Strategies 360 Hawai‘i

Strategies 360 Hawai‘i expands with the addition of former journalist and communications expert Donalyn Dela Cruz. Dela Cruz joins Strategies 360 Hawai‘i as the Vice President of Communications. She joins a seasoned team of Hawai‘i experts that includes S360 Senior Vice Presidents Shan Tsutsui and John White.

Donalyn brings extensive experience in the communications and public relations fields; having previously lead communications strategies at the highest levels of state and federal government as well as the private sector. Her experience significantly bolsters the firm’s capabilities in strategic communications and public relations. Her effective start date is June 1, 2018.

“Donalyn Dela Cruz has an expert understanding of the intersection between Hawaii’s politics and culture and will be a tremendous asset to our team,” said Strategies 360 Co-Counder and CEO, Ron Dotzauer. “She brings unparalleled talent and expertise in all aspects of strategic communications, message development and media strategy, and will help take our all-star team in Hawai‘i to new heights.”  

Donalyn served as Director of Communications and Community Affairs for the State of Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE), where she led all internal and external communications efforts, is the primary spokesperson for the department, and oversees community and government affairs outreach. Her last day at the HIDOE is May 31. 

“Donalyn has done tremendous work in setting a standard for communications here and will be sorely missed.” said School Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto. “On behalf of the Hawai‘i State Department of Education, we congratulate Donalyn on her next chapter and wish her the best.”

Donalyn is a long-time communications expert, having advised several of Hawai‘i’s top elected officials, including serving as Deputy Communications Director for Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Press Secretary for the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka. Prior to her public service, Donalyn worked as a broadcast journalist for KHON TV2. She is also steeped in crisis communications expertise and earned a Masters in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2017. She holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and is a graduate of Leilehua High School.

“With Donalyn onboard, our team will be able to meet a variety of strategic and communication needs that best serve our communities,”said S360 Senior Vice President Tsutsui. “She has the breadth of experience and knowledge in handling any situation. We’re excited to get to work.”

Strategies 360 has offices in 12 Western states and Washington, D.C.