LOS ANGELES – The Hawaii governor's deputy chief of staff has been appointed to serve as deputy director of the state's Department of Budget and Finance.
Laurel Johnston will serve under Wes Machida, the state's finance director, filling a position that has been vacant since mid-November when Rod Becker was named state comptroller.
Her appointment is effective Dec. 16, but it is subject to confirmation by the state Senate.
"Budget and Finance is a critical department, and I asked Laurel to take on this new role because she has a deep understanding of the state's core functions and the budgeting process," Ige said in a prepared statement. "She has the experience and skills to challenge the way things have been done in the past and chart new paths to long-term financial stability."
Johnston's 30 years in public service have covered a wide gamut. She has worked as a public administrator, researcher, and writer on the policy topics of education and health, criminal and social justice, economic development, and public finance.
Prior to joining Gov. Ige's staff she was the director of the University of Hawaii System Budget Office. She earned a master of science degree in public administration and a bachelor of science degree in criminology, both from Florida State University.
Johnston said she will work collaboratively with the governor and the legislative branch to shape a budget that sets the state's course over the next two years.
Ige also named Ryker Wada to be the deputy director of the Department of Human Resources Development. He will replace Cindy Inouye who is retiring.
Wada's appointment is effective Jan. 3 and is not subject to confirmation by the state Senate.
