Cheryl Hirasa became executive director for Pacific Islanders in Communications.
Hirasa, who has been interim executive director for more than a year, formally succeeds Leanne Kaʻiulani Ferrer, who died in August 2021.
“We are excited to continue the PIC journey with Cheryl,” said Maluhia Kaimikaua, director of operations, in a news release. “She shares a commitment to the artists that we serve, and the communities that we amplify.”
Hirasa joined PIC in 2013 as director of program development and content strategy. She later worked as managing director and VP of programs, leading production of programs like Waterman – Duke: Ambassador of Aloha, which premiered on American Masters this year. Before that, Hirasa held several roles with the Independent Television Service from 2004–2013, including senior production manager.
PIC, founded in 1991, is one of five independent nonprofits that make up the National Multicultural Alliance, a CPB-funded group that helps produce public media content. The organization produces the national series Pacific Heartbeat, distributed by American Public Television.
“I’m truly honored to have been asked to be PIC’s Executive Director,” Hirasa said in the news release. “… Although I’m not of Pacific Islander descent, I am proud and grateful that I’m from Hawai‘i. It’s part of my identity that helps me navigate through life and it’s the source of my passion and dedication to PIC and the people I work with and serve.”