County Finance Director Nancy Crawford, who had a hand on the county purse strings for two mayors, is retiring at the end of the month. ADVERTISING County Finance Director Nancy Crawford, who had a hand on the county purse strings
County Finance Director Nancy Crawford, who had a hand on the county purse strings for two mayors, is retiring at the end of the month.
Crawford, 63, served as deputy finance director under former Mayor Harry Kim and was promoted to the top spot in the department when Mayor Billy Kenoi took office in 2008. Before that, she was business manager for the Department of Public Works. In all, her county service is just short of 20 years.
Kenoi praised Crawford’s leadership, especially in keeping the county on solid financial footing during the Great Recession. He said Crawford has been “awesome.”
“It’s been a real honor and a privilege to have her knowledge and expertise,” Kenoi said. “She brought a lot of credibility and trust to the department during some challenging financial times.”
Kenoi said he’s asking the County Council to confirm Deputy Finance Director Deanna Sako as the new finance director.
“Deanna has clearly been one of the best and brightest over the years,” Kenoi said.
Crawford said she planned to donate some volunteer time to the department to help with the transition, but she was confident Sako would do a good job.
“I think Deanna is an outstanding selection. I think it will allow for a smooth transition,” Crawford said. “I feel confident that I’m leaving this department in really good hands.”
Email Nancy Cook Lauer at ncook-lauer@westhawaiitoday.com.
