News Release from www.Hawaii.gov/gov (excerpted and annotated for clarity)

HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the following appointment to the Abercrombie Administration:

• Jan Gouveia as Deputy Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS)

…Ms. Gouveia, currently the Deputy Director for Administration for the Department of Transportation, replaces Ryan Okahara, who left on June 3 to join the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Among other responsibilities, Ms. Gouveia will work with the state’s new Chief Information Officer, Sanjeev “Sonny” Bhagowalia, to transform the state’s technology. Ms. Gouveia was a part of the DAGS selection process for the state’s current technology system assessment.

“Jan Gouveia is uniquely qualified with great problem-solving skills. She has the creative talent that’s needed now as we take on this task of fixing government’s technology system,” said Bruce Coppa, Director of DAGS.

“I’ve enjoyed my time with the team at the Transportation Department, but am looking forward to continuing to serve the people of Hawai'i at DAGS. Making government more efficient is essential to what we’re doing in all departments to fulfill Governor Abercrombie’s New Day,” Ms. Gouveia said.

Governor Abercrombie is interviewing candidates to find a replacement as Deputy Director for DOT.

ABOUT THE APPOINTEE:

Jan Gouveia was the vice president for Executive Operation at (Al Hee's) Waimana Enterprises (no conflict of interest here, eh Neil?) prior to joining the Abercrombie Administration in December 2010. She previously served as the chief legal counsel for the Board of Water Supply, and the associate legal counsel and director of risk management at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. Ms. Gouveia holds an MBA and law degree from Gonzaga University; and a bachelor’s degree of political science from UH-Manoa. She is a graduate of ‘Iolani School.

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Waimana Enterprises is the parent company of Sandwich Isles Communications: Sandwich Isles Communications: Political Connections Pay Off 

Dec 2010: Abercrombie announces DOH team, DOT deputy

June 8, 2011: Sanjeev “Sonny” Bhagowalia named Chief Information Officer of Hawaii