Hawaii's financial leadership is set for a change as Budget and Finance Director Luis Salaveria is slated to step down, Governor Josh Green announced yesterday. Salaveria will leave his post effective October 31, after a tenure marked by steering the state toward economic recovery and resilience, particularly during tough economic times. His efforts, as noted by the Office of the Governor, "helped the administration achieve several key milestones," including investments in housing, homelessness, and expanding access to healthcare in rural communities.
With over three decades of budget and policy experience, Salaveria's background includes serving in previous administrations. Before his current role, he worked in the Ige Administration as the Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, and, in the Abercrombie Administration as Deputy Director of Budget and Finance. Under his leadership, critical interventions were directed towards balancing the state's budget and aiding Maui's recovery efforts during challenging economic conditions, as reported by the Office of the Governor.
As Salaveria prepares his exit, Deputy Finance Director Sabrina Nasir is prepping to take the reins as the Acting Director from November 1. In her three years as Deputy, Nasir has not only proved her worth within the department but also boasts a commendable history including her service as Budget Chief for the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Office of the Governor expressed great confidence in her abilities, saying, "Sabrina has demonstrated excellent leadership skills and is a critical player in executing the administration’s bold vision for Hawai‘i’s future."
Nasir, who is an Omidyar Fellow with a Ph.D. from the University of California in demographic and social analysis, is looking to maintain continuity within Budget and Finance. Her appointment is seen as a step towards ensuring the department's objectives continue without interruption, providing a seamless transition as the state moves into the new year. With the administration's assurance of her capabilities, Nasir is positioned to potentially extend Hawai‘i's trajectory toward economic stability and growth, as per the Office of the Governor.
