HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0621.000 2022-2024Mitchell D. Roth
Mayor
Gunfv of pabiai`t
(Offirr of f4r,apr
Lee E. Lord
Managing Director
Robert H. Command
Depiq Managing Director
25 AUPUni Street, Suite 2603 * Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 * (808) 961-8211 - Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C * Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
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November 22, 2023
Honorable Chair Heather Kimball and
Members of the Hawai'i County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Dear Chair Kimball and Members of the Hawai'i Council:
It is my pleasure to submit for your confirmation the appointment of Deanna S. Sako as
Managing Director for the County of Hawai'i, pursuant to Section 6-1.2 of the Hawai'i
County Charter. This appointment will be effective on Monday, January 1, 2024.
Ms. Sako has been the Finance Director of Hawai'i County since 2017. She started at the
County of Hawai'i as an Accountant for the Department of Parks & Recreation before
later moving over to the Finance Department as a Controller and later Deputy Finance
Director. Prior to working for the County of Hawai'i, Ms. Sako spent 12 years of her career
as an auditor for various government entities, including the County of Hawai'i.
Ms. Sako will serve a term co -terminus with my tenure, which will end on December 2,
2024.
Thank you for your favorable consideration of this appointment. If you have any questions
about this matter, please feel free to call me.
With Aloha,
Mitchell D. Roth
Mayor
Attachment
Council Action Due By: March 1, 2024
Last Council Meeting: February 21, 2024
Comm. No.
Ref. To -
County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Ref. JV 2 4 20T3
Deanna S. Sako
Relevant Work Experience:
County of'Hawaii, September 199.9 to present:
Director, Department of Finance, January 2015 to December 2016, October 2017 to present:
Deputy Director, Department of Finance, December 2008 to December 2014, December 2016 to September
2017:
Duties include overseeing the nine divisions under Finance: Accounts, Budget, Internal Control, Property
Management, Purchasing, Risk Management, Real Property Tax, Treasury, and Vehicle Registration and
Licensing, in addition to administrative staff. Participated in budget preparation and presentation during
very difficult economic times. Participated in bond rating presentations and preparation for issuance of
general obligation bonds. Provided assistance to departments regarding a variety of finance matters.
Controller, Department of Finance, March 2001 to December 2008:
Duties include annual preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (received GFOA
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting each year); oversee preparation of
County -wide monthly financial statements; oversee County -wide accounts payable and payroll operations;
oversee conversion of accounting system from WANG to Eden; resolve various issues with the
departments; prepare reports as necessary for the Mayor and County Council; .report to the Director of
Finance.
Accountant III, Department of Parks and Recreation, September 1999 to February 2001:
Duties include analyzing and compiling the annual departmental budget, preparation of the Parks and
Recreation Administration's budget; review of monthly trial balances for the department and preparation of
reports as necessary; processing transfers of funds and adjustments as necessary; supervising accounting
staff in the payroll and purchasing programs; maintain computerized accounting program for the
department; supervise and train staff in computer use; maintain departmental inventory; serve as the
departmental computer liaison; prepare quarterly reports and the related paperwork for Federal grant
recipients.
Deloitte & Touche LLP, August 1987 to May 1999:
Audit and Office Manager, August 1993 to May 1999. Promoted to Senior Manager in 1997. Assigned to
Hilo office. Duties included overseeing all Hilo office audits, reviews, compilation and bookkeeping
engagements; overseeing tax department and administrative personnel; general and administrative duties to
keep the office running smoothly; various special client projects as assigned; and practice development
duties. Served on both the County of Hawaii and County of Maui audits.
Audit Senior Accountant, August 1990 to August 1993. Assigned to Honolulu and Maui offices. Duties
included supervising staff assigned to audit engagements and ensuring the audit is completed in an accurate
and efficient manner.
Audit Staff Accountant, August 1987 to August 1990. Assigned to Honolulu office. Duties included
assisting seniors, as well as in -charging, various audit engagements.
Education and Professional Credentials:
Certified Public Accountant, License (expiration date 12/31/23).
Master of Accounting Science, University of Illinois at Champaign -Urbana, August 1987.
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science/Accounting, Wartburg College, May 1986.
Diploma, Molokai High School, June 1982, Valedictorian.
Other:
Manager of the Year, County of Hawaii, 2004
Small Business Accountant Advocate of the Year, Island of Hawaii, 1997
Athena Award winner, 1996