Makana McClellan, Hawaii’s Director of Communications, was named 2026 Communicator of the Year by the National Association of Government Communicators. She is the first person from Hawaii to receive this national honor.
- McClellan is the first Hawaii resident to win the National Association of Government Communicators’ top annual award.
- She led state communications during major emergencies including the Maui wildfires, flooding, and tsunami warnings.
- Her work helped create better coordination between state agencies for public communications.
- The recognition highlights Hawaii’s improved emergency communication systems under her leadership.
Source: Governor of Hawaii
Share this article
![Hawaii Communications Director Receives National Recognition Award - Maui Tom's Vacation Rental Cleaning & Maintenance Pools of βOheβo, Haleakala National Park, Maui. [Canon 6d / 24-105mm f/4L] β Hawaii Communications Director Receives National Recognition Award | Maui Tom's News](https://www.mauitoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/news-hawaii-communications-director-receives-national-recognition-1024x576.jpg)