Gov. Neil Abercrombie has appointed a longtime Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs official to the deputy director post.

Jo Ann Uchida Takeuchi, who has led DCCA’s Regulated Industries Complaints Office and Office of Consumer Protection, fills the vacancy left by Everett Kaneshige.

Abercrombie says Takeuchi is dedicated to serving the state of Hawaii and he’s very happy to have her as a member of his team.

Takeuchi has been with DCCA for nearly 22 years. In addition to being the executive director of the Office of Consumer Protection, she also served as that office’s senior attorney.

In a press release announcing the appointment, Takeuchi said she believes strongly in honoring the trust that comes with doing the people’s work.