HONOLULU — Mayor Rick Blangiardi is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kealoha Fox as the new Deputy Director of the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency. Dr. Fox brings over 15 years of experience in Native Hawaiian health, climate policy, and social health integration, bridging Indigenous innovation with the City’s efforts to create a more resilient future.
Dr. Fox’s extensive background includes leadership positions within Hawai‘i’s nonprofit, healthcare, and academic sectors, most recently as President of the Institute for Climate & Peace and Director of Health Equity at AlohaCare. Her expertise in promoting equitable access to health services, combined with her commitment to cultural sustainability, aligns with the mission of the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency to preserve Oʻahu’s natural resources and community well-being in the face of climate challenges.
“Dr. Kealoha Fox brings a powerful blend of cultural wisdom, scientific expertise, and a deep commitment to community,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Her dedication to weaving indigenous knowledge into the foundation of climate resilience will be invaluable as we work together to protect our island and its people for generations to come. I am confident that her leadership, vision, and passion will help strengthen our city’s commitment to sustainability and cultural stewardship.”
Dr. Fox earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Hawai‘i’s John A. Burns School of Medicine, where her research on integrating traditional Hawaiian practices in healthcare has set new quality standards for culturally informed services. Her numerous accolades include the Kua‘ana Merit Scholar award, the STEM Scholars distinction from the University of Hawai‘i, and executive leadership training from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.
“We are eager to welcome Dr. Kealoha Fox to our team here as the Deputy Director,” said Ben Sullivan, Executive Director of the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency. “Her background and experience at the nexus of climate and health and her deep ties to our community will help the City ensure our people are the heart of our efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change.”
Dr. Fox begins her new role on Monday, November 18, 2024.
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