The state Department of Transportation announced Monday the appointments of former DOT interim director Ross Higashi as Airports Division deputy director and Ed Sniffen, current executive assistant to Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, as Highways Division deputy director.

Higashi, who has previous experience as fiscal management officer for the Airports Division, will oversee 15 airports across the state. Higashi started his new position on Monday.

Sniffen will oversee improvements and maintenance of approximately 2,500 miles of state highways throughout the islands. Sniffen previously served as Highways Divisions administrator and technical design engineer in the Highways Division Design Branch.

Sniffen will begin his new post on Jan. 2.