Abercrombie’s budget director in running for CFO of UH

Kalbert Young, the state’s budget director under outgoing Gov. Neil Abercrombie, is expected to be named chief financial officer for the University of Hawaii system.

Young joined Abercrombie’s Cabinet in December 2010 as director of the Department of Budget and Finance, overseeing the state’s roughly $10 billion operating budget. He is credited with helping guide the state through an economic crisis and recovery in his four years as budget director.

Young previously served as director of finance for Maui County and handled financial planning and analysis at Kamehameha Schools.

A UH alumnus, Young earned his undergraduate degree in American history and a master’s in business administration and management from UH-Manoa.

The agenda for a special UH Board of Regents meeting scheduled for Thursday includes Young’s recommended appointment as system vice president for budget and finance/chief financial officer at a $237,000 annual salary. If approved, the appointment would be effective on or around Jan. 5.

The job involves oversight of systemwide budgeting, asset management, bond operations, procurement and real property, according to the university’s website. UH has an operating budget of about $1.03 billion.

Howard Todo, who joined UH in 2005, currently holds the title and plans to retire in October, UH spokeswoman Lynne Waters said.

She said UH President David Lassner launched a search for a replacement early because it took the university more than a year to fill the post the last time it was vacant.

"After an extended vacation, Howard Todo will be reassigned to complete several projects and assist in the transition until his retirement in October," Waters said in an email.

Young could not be reached for comment.

With Gov.-elect David Ige set to be sworn into office Monday, other Abercrombie Cabinet members have been finding new jobs within state government.

Barbara Krieg, who was appointed in 2011 as director of human resources for the state, was recently tapped to run the Department of Education’s office of human resources as an assistant superintendent.