Dobelle spokesman to leave UH
By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer
Paul Costello, who has served for two years as a top aide to University of Hawai'i President Evan Dobelle, will leave Jan. 7 to join the Stanford University School of Medicine as chief of communications and public affairs.
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"It was a difficult decision in many respects," said Costello, 51, "but the opportunity to be substantially involved in science and medicine at one of the nation's premier universities was the cincher. I'll miss UH terribly and I'll miss Hawai'i."
Paul Costello will leave his job as chief spokesman for the UH president.
As chief spokesman for the UH president, Costello served as a buffer, absorbing criticism that otherwise would have gone to Dobelle.
But he also absorbed his share of criticism from those who objected to Dobelle's hiring of former associates and the comparatively high salaries paid. Costello received $184,000 a year.
Costello was a colleague of Dobelle's from their days in the Carter White House when Costello was a press spokesman for former first lady Rosalynn Carter and Dobelle worked for the president.
Dobelle is expected to recommend an interim replacement for Costello to the Board of Regents in January, but the university will also launch a search in the spring to fill the position permanently.
As the UH vice president for external affairs and university relations, Costello created one radio show ("UH Today") and two TV shows ("UH This Week" and "One on One") to highlight top university events and personalities each week; worked to change the university's faltering image; and led the search for a branding identity for the 10-campus system. The brand search resulted in a public uproar over two proposed logos, and ultimately their rejection by Dobelle.
Costello came to the university from New York's Weber Shandwick International, one of the world's top public relations firms. As managing director he headed an office of 225, with clients that included major companies in healthcare, biotechnology, computers, publishing and cable television.
Previously he worked as press secretary for Ohio Gov. Richard Celeste for three years and served as press spokesman for Kitty Dukakis during the 1988 presidential campaign of her husband, Michael.
Costello's new position was announced by Dr. Philip Pizzo, dean of the Stanford medical school.
Reach Beverly Creamer at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8013.
