Governor Josh Green named Ryan Yamane to succeed Cathy Betts as the Director of the Department of Human Services (DHS) when she exits her post this May.

Yamane, who currently serves as the deputy director of the Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD), has a background as a state Representative and a Clinical Director at Ho‘okūpono.

As a state Representative from 2004 to 2023, Yamane chaired various committees including Health, Human Services, and Homelessness.

In a statement Yamane said, “That Governor Green has named me to this role is a great honor and I will work hard every day to meet the challenge and live up to his confidence in me. Serving the public that relies on DHS services is a role requiring empathy and compassion as well as knowledge of state systems we can leverage to improve lives.”

Yamane’s nomination is subject to advice and consent of the Senate.

The Green Administration will begin its search for Yamane’s successor, who would not start until May at the earliest.

 

Photo credit: Office of Governor Josh Green