Robert “Bob” Agres has been named the new Deputy Director of the Hawaiʻi County Department of Research and Development.

Agres’s longtime history in public service includes recent work as a Manager for Disaster Recovery Community Engagement and Collaboration under the Planning Department. Before joining the County of Hawaiʻi, he held various leadership roles in the City and County of Honolulu, Islander Institute, Hawaiʻi Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development, and the County of Maui.  He succeeds Sulma Gandhi.

In a press release Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth said, “We are extremely fortunate to have found someone with a proven track record of community-minded leadership and unwavering commitment to our island and its residents to step up to help lead the Department of Research and Development,  Bob has proven to be a tireless advocate for those who have endured hardships as a result of the 2018 Lower Puna eruption, and we know that he will bring that same passion and vigor to the rest of our island, as we all work to make Hawaiʻi Island sustainable for generations to come.”

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Mayor’s Office