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Posted: Monday, January 14th, 2013 9:28 AM HST

Chang to head UH Hilo University Relations

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

Former State Representative Jerry Chang has been appointed Director of University Relations at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo, effective last Friday, January 11, 2013. He succeeds Gerald De Mello, who retired December 31, 2012 after serving 21 years in that position. Chang is a 1978 graduate of UH Hilo with a B.A. in sociology and served as a U.S. Army medical specialist. He spent over 20 years in the legislature beginning in 1989 and chaired several committees, including Tourism and Culture,Higher Education and Water, Land and Ocean Resources. “I am very happy and excited to have Jerry join the UH Hilo `ohana, and know that he will be a tremendous asset,” noted UH Hilo Chancellor Don Straney. “Jerry brings with him familiarity with the UH System, a broad range of legislative experience, and a thorough understanding of public policy issues, including the state’s budgetary process. I am confident he will move into this position and make progress with little or no lag time.”