Deborah Zysman has been named the new Deputy Director of the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization (OER), effective August 18, 2025, Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced today. With over two decades of leadership in nonprofit sectors and systemic community development, Zysman brings extensive experience in public health, economic equity, and large-scale advocacy initiatives. n nMost recently, she led the Hawai‘i Children’s Action Network (HCAN) as Executive Director, where she oversaw a sevenfold expansion of the organization’s operating budget and championed transformative policies such as the establishment of the state’s public pre-K program and broader access to early intervention services. Her tenure significantly advanced child and family well-being across Hawai‘i. n nBefore HCAN, Zysman directed the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i, contributing to a dramatic decline in the state’s smoking rate from 27% to 14%. Her work positioned Hawai‘i as a national model in tobacco control. Throughout her career, she has earned recognition including the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Hoʻokele Award and the Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation’s AIM for Excellence in Non-Profit Management Award. n nMayor Blangiardi praised Zysman’s appointment, highlighting her track record of delivering measurable outcomes. He emphasized that her expertise in advocacy and equitable economic development will be vital in strengthening Honolulu’s local economy and expanding opportunities for residents. n nIn her new role, Zysman will support OER’s mission to promote inclusive economic growth, bolster small businesses, attract investment, and build resilient communities across O‘ahu. She expressed enthusiasm about contributing to a vision where all individuals, regardless of background, can thrive. n nZysman holds a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston University. She is a Weinberg Fellow and was previously recognized by Pacific Business News as one of Hawai‘i’s “Forty Under 40.” n nHer first day with the Office of Economic Revitalization is set for Monday, August 18, 2025. n— news from City and County of Honolulu (.gov)n
— News Original —nOffice of the Mayor n nHONOLULU – 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. n nZysman 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. n nPrior 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. n n“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.” n nPhoto Courtesy: City and County of Honolulu n nIn 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. n nPhoto Courtesy: City and County of Honolulu n n“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.” n nZysman 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.” n nHer official start date with OER is Monday, August 18, 2025 n n—PAU—