The University of Hawaii Board of Regents voted unanimously Thursday to approve Kalbert Young as chief financial officer and vice president for budget and finance.

Young had been state budget director the past four years under former Gov. Neil Abercrombie, helping craft the state’s roughly $10 billion operating budget and develop long-term financial strategies.

He previously served as director of finance for Maui County for six years and handled government relations, budget and financial planning, and internal audit at Kame­ha­meha Schools. He also worked in land planning and development for Kapa­lua Land Co.

"I am excited for the opportunity to work with everyone on the UH management team and within the UH community to implement improvements that will advance everyone’s goal of evolving, growing and building our state university toward even greater prominence," Young said in a statement.

The appointment is effective in early January and comes with a $237,000 annual salary.

Young holds an undergraduate degree in American history and a master’s in business administration and management, both from UH-Manoa.

He will replace Howard Todo, who plans to retire in October. Todo, who joined UH in 2005, will be reassigned to complete projects and assist in the transition until his retirement.

The board also approved Garret Yoshimi as vice president for information technology and chief information officer, the job formerly held by UH President David Lassner.

Yoshimi most recently was vice president and chief operating officer for Hono­lulu-based eWorld Enterprise Solutions. He previously served as CIO for the Hawaii Judiciary, senior technology executive for the East-West Center and CIO for DTRIC Insurance.

Yoshimi’s appointment is effective Jan. 5. He will be paid $230,016.