In his current role, Eric Matsunaga works closely with the vice president for research and innovation to plan, implement and execute the strategic initiatives and programs of the office across the ten-campus University of Hawai‘i System. He is primarily responsible for internal and external communications, project and event management, legislative and congressional relations.

Prior to his appointment at OVPRI, Matsunaga served as the director of marketing and public affairs for the UH Mānoa College of Engineering, and previously held related roles in the UH Mānoa Chancellor’s Office and the UH President’s Office. 

He has over 36 years of combined experience in advertising, marketing, legislative affairs, public relations and events management, which includes work at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, Atlantis Adventures, First Hawaiian Bank, Honolulu Medical Group, Honolulu Symphony, Pacific Resources, Inc. and the Navy Public Works Center at Pearl Harbor.