DeMello joins Abercrombie communications team

HONOLULU (AP) – Gov. Neil Abercrombie has hired a Honolulu public relations professional to join his communications team, which has been undergoing an overhaul since two staff members resigned in October.

The governor said Friday Keith DeMello would become communications manager for the administration.

DeMello has over 15 years of experience in public relations. He was most recently vice president of public affairs at McNeil Wilson Communications.

DeMello will work alongside Communications Director Jim Boersema and Donalyn Dela Cruz, the governor’s deputy director of communications.

The governor’s office says Boersema will continue to oversee all aspects of public communications, including strategy. Dela Cruz will continue to serve as the governor’s spokeswoman and primary media contact.

Boersema joined the administration in October, after Abercrombie’s communications director and deputy communications director resigned.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)