Mayor Blangiardi appoints Dr. Kealoha Fox to lead the City’s Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency Office
HONOLULU — Mayor Rick Blangiardi today announced the appointment of Dr. Kealoha Fox as the new Executive Director and Chief Resilience Officer of the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (CCSR). Dr. Fox has served as Deputy Director since 2024 and will now lead the City’s overarching strategies to advance sustainability, climate adaptation, and community resilience on Oʻahu.
Dr. Fox brings more than 15 years of experience in Native Hawaiian health, climate policy, Indigenous innovation, and social resilience. Since joining CCSR, she has played a central role in shaping climate strategies, strengthening cross-sector partnerships, and integrating cultural knowledge into the City’s resilience planning efforts.
Before joining the City, Dr. Fox held leadership roles across Hawai‘i’s nonprofit, healthcare, and academic sectors, including serving as President of the Institute for Climate & Peace and Director of Health Equity at AlohaCare. Her background in equitable health access, cultural sustainability, and climate-related systems work directly aligns with CCSR’s mission to protect Oʻahu’s natural resources and enhance community well-being.
“Dr. Kealoha Fox brings a powerful blend of cultural wisdom, scientific expertise, and deep commitment to community,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Her leadership and vision come at a pivotal moment for O‘ahu as we strengthen our resilience and pursue meaningful climate action. I have full confidence that Dr. Fox will guide this office with integrity, passion, and an unwavering dedication to protecting our island and its people for generations to come.”
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 integrating traditional Hawaiian healing practices with modern healthcare helped establish new models for culturally informed service delivery. She has received numerous honors, including induction as an Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific Leader, Gates Foundation Global Goalkeeper, and finalist for the Pritzker Environmental Genius Award.
In accepting the position, Dr. Fox emphasized her commitment to ensuring that Honolulu’s climate work remains rooted in community values and local knowledge.
“It is an honor to be appointed by Mayor Blangiardi to lead the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency,” said Dr. Kealoha Fox. “Ku‘u home kulāiwi. As the first woman and the first Native Hawaiian to serve in this role, I carry a deep kuleana. I am humbled by this opportunity and committed to accelerating actions that protect the future of our island home, uplift our communities, and strengthen the resilience of Oʻahu for generations to come.”
The Executive Director position has been vacant since October, and Dr. Fox’s appointment ensures continued leadership and momentum for the City’s climate priorities. Dr. Fox assumes the role of Executive Director and Chief Resilience Officer effective immediately.
—PAU—