HONOLULU – Sharon Nakama has been named Executive Director of the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC), an international member organization that promotes information and communications technologies in the Pacific hemisphere. Her appointment follows an extensive international search for executive leadership for the 29-year-old Honolulu-based non-profit. Nakama is an 18-year veteran of the organization, serving in a number of roles including membership coordinator, director of conferences, and secretariat manager. PTC Board of Governors Chair David Lassner said, "The executive search committee was impressed with Sharon's capabilities and ideas. She clearly understands our opportunities and challenges, and we're delighted at the professionalism and experience she brings to lead PTC into our future."

PTC's flagship event is its annual conference, which draws thousands of members of the global telecommunications sector to Honolulu each January. PTC'08, the 30th major conference, will focus on "Telecom with Vision" and will be held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu 13-16 January, 2008. Nakama said, "Information and communications technologies are enjoying a resurgence of interest and activity. I am truly excited at this wonderful opportunity to work with our members to provide our community with new ways of learning and working together through our conferences and other activities." Nakama's appointment takes effect immediately. She will be based at the PTC Secretariat in Honolulu.

Established in 1978, Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) is an international, non-profit, non-government membership organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. Its mission is to promote the development, understanding, and beneficial use of telecommunications and information technology throughout the Pacific region. For additional information about PTC, go to www.ptc.org.

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