Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s deputy director of communications will be leaving for a new job as director of communications at the state Department of Education.   

Donalyn Dela Cruz will leave the governor’s office on Oct. 31 and her first day at the DOE is Nov. 1.

“I will miss working with Donalyn on a day-to-day basis but am very happy that she will continue to serve within state government to advance our New Day Plan,” Abercrombie said in a press release. 

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Donalyn, and I am more so pleased that the Administration and the State will continue to benefit from her expertise. Education is one of my highest priorities, and Donalyn is ready to take on this new challenge as the Department of Education continues to make necessary systemic changes.” 

Deputy Chief of Staff Blake Oshiro will be overseeing communications in the governor’s office after Dela Cruz leaves.

In announcing its new director, the DOE said it is “implementing key statewide goals and strategies including improving communications.”

DOE spokeswoman Sandy Goya is now the department’s school communications director, focusing on school-level communications, the DOE said.