Kristen Bonilla, APR

Kristen is currently a public information officer at the University of Hawaii, a position she has held since 2001. In this position, she is responsible for media relations, issues management, creative writing, event planning and collateral development for the 10-campus university system.

She also manages the UH Communications Council, a group of university public information officers and marketing and communications professionals from across the university system who meet regularly to discuss various university communications issues, and has been designated to assist in leading the development of the university's social media strategy.

Prior to joining the University of Hawaii, Kristen served as public relations coordinator for St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii, where she was responsible for system employee communications and public relations activities for the Cancer Center, Heart Center and the Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry.

An active member of PRSA Hawaii since 2001, Kristen served as chapter president in 2009 and currently serves as the chapter's treasurer. She has previously held positions on the Board as Secretary, Treasurer and Newsletter Editor, was a member of the 2003 PRSA Western District Conference planning committee, and served as an advisor to the founding Board of Directors of YPR, the young public relations professionals group established as part of PRSA Hawaii. She also represents the chapter at the district level, serving as PRSA Western District secretary in 2010 and chair-elect in 2011.

Kristen was recognized by PRSA Hawaii in 2003 with the Hokupa‘a Award for the Young PR Professional of the Year, and has earned numerous other awards for her work from both PRSA Hawaii and IABC Hawaii. In 2008, she earned the APR designation as an accredited member of the chapter.

A native of Kauai, Kristen graduated cum laude from Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations with an emphasis in Business/Marketing. She resides in Honolulu with her husband, Daniel, and son Cody.