HSTA welcomed its new communications specialist this week.
Terri Inefuku steps into the role formerly held by Keoki Kerr, who now serves as HSTA’s director of communications. Media Specialist Chris Schubert rounds out the newly expanded communications department.
“I’m excited to bring Terri on to solidify an impressive team that will be working to promote HSTA not only in the community but among our nearly 14,000 members,” said HSTA Executive Director Wilbert Holck. “Our ultimate goal is to not only share the activities of our union and staff, but also spotlight the incredible accomplishments of our teachers.”
Inefuku brings more than a decade of journalism and storytelling experience to HSTA. She was most recently KHON2’s digital executive director, where she helped shape the station’s digital news strategy, developing content for a variety of platforms, including KHON2’s website, mobile app and social media channels.
She also serves as a mentor for PBS Hawaii’s HIKI NO, a weekly student news show that features video stories by students from dozens of public, private and charter schools across the state. She works closely with teachers to oversee the production process, offering guidance on everything from story development to interviews, writing and editing.
“Terri’s extensive social media and strong journalism background will be an asset to our organization,” said Kerr. “Her deep roots in Hawaii as well as her experience working with public school teachers and students will help us showcase the amazing work happening in and out of the classroom every day.”
Inefuku was previously an associate editor at HONOLULU Magazine, where she managed a daily lifestyle blog and produced beauty-focused features for HONOLULU Shops magazine. She also worked as a producer for Hawaii News Now, and spent several years coordinating guest interviews and taped features for Sunrise, the station’s morning news program.
Inefuku has a passion for food, and contributes posts to Biting Commentary, HONOLULU Magazine’s dining blog.
She grew up dancing ballet, and still occasionally dusts off her dancing shoes for Gridiron, a biennial variety show that raises money to pay journalism interns for the Hawaii Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.