CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM
Department of Human Services Director Rachael Wong spoke at a press conference to address homelessness at the State Capitol on July 21. She will be leaving the department at the end of the month.
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Rachael Wong will no longer serve as director of the state Department of Human Services, effective Sept. 1.
Gov. David Ige announced Thursday in a news release that Wong will be leaving the department at the end of the month.
She will be replaced Sept. 1 by Pankaj Bhanot, now deputy director. Bhanot’s appointment is subject to Senate approval.
Taking Bhanot’s place as deputy director will be Bridget Holthus.
According to the news release, “Wong will be taking some time off before pursuing opportunities in the private sector where she can continue to be an advocate for DHS programs that contribute to the state’s public health, education, employment, and housing goals.”
Bhanot has been in the department for 17 years, serving as deputy twice — under Gov. Ige and from December 2010 to January 2012. He has experience in implementing large information technology and human services projects, according to the news release. He previously led a business transformation initiative that won national recognition. He is an attorney who has dedicated his professional life to human rights and human services.
Holthus most recently served as research program liaison at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. She previously served as deputy director of the city’s Office of Community Services, special assistant to the attorney general, and director of philanthropic services at Hawaii Community Foundation.
“Pankaj Bhanot has been an integral part of the DHS leadership team and is positioned to conduct a seamless transition. Pankaj and Bridget will continue to work closely with director of health, Ginny Pressler, to move forward with the state’s multigenerational approach to improving health outcomes, called ‘Ohana Nui. They will also implement the DHS integrated information system for the entire state, a move that will accelerate the transformation of the way the department does business,” Ige said.