David Y. Ige

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige has appointed Laurel Johnston to serve as the director of the Department of Budget and Finance. She has served as acting director since the recent retirement of Wesley Machida, and was the deputy director at Budget and Finance prior to Machida’s departure.

During her 30-year career in Hawai‘i, Johnston has served as: Gov. Ige’s deputy chief of staff; director of the University of Hawai‘i’s Budget Office; assistant Senate Clerk with the Hawai‘i State Senate; executive director of Hawai‘i Uninsured Project; assistant superintendent of the Hawai‘i Department of Education, Planning, Budget and Resource Development Office; staff director, Hawai‘i Senate Judiciary Committee; senior legislative researcher, Hawai‘i Senate Majority Office; legislative analyst, Office of the Auditor, State of Hawai‘i.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to continue serving the people of Hawai‘i as I have for three decades. I appreciate the opportunity to serve under Governor Ige and will work collaboratively to manage our state’s fiscal resources,” said Johnston.

Johnston earned a Master of Science degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology, both from Florida State University.

Her appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

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Media Contacts:
Jodi Leong
Deputy Communications Director/Press Secretary
Office of the Governor
Office: 808-586-0043
Mobile: 808-798-3929
[email protected]

Cindy McMillan
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Office: 808-586-0012
Mobile: 808-265-7974
[email protected]