Governor-Elect Ige Tabs McCartney as Chief of Staff

The current head of the Hawai’i Tourism Authority will resign to take on a key position on Governor-elect David Ige’s staff.

Mike McCartney, current President and Chief Executive Officer of the HTA, will become Chief of Staff when Ige assumes office on Dec. 1. McCartney has served in his current capacity with the HTA since 2009.

“Mike is a proven leader with experience as president and CEO of the HTA, a state senator and appointed State department director, making him an outstanding choice to serve as the chief of staff in my administration.” said Ige in a statement. “As my former colleague in the State Senate, I know Mike is a committed public servant who is dedicated to making Hawai‘i a better place for future generations. I am pleased that he has agreed to join my team.”

“This is an exciting time for our state, and I am honored to be asked by Governor-elect Ige to serve on his cabinet,” said McCartney. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help create a meaningful future for Hawai‘i and our keiki under Governor-elect Ige’s leadership. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Hawai‘i in my new role.”

McCartney’s appointment is the first of many that will be made in the coming weeks, ahead of the start of the Ige administration. In a statement, Ige and Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui say that they are searching for 42 department heads, deputies, and other top officials.

Beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, applications are being accepted for the open positions. Submissions can be sent here.

“On behalf of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority board of directors, I wish to congratulate Mike McCartney on his new appointment as Chief of Staff for governor-elect David Ige,” said HTA board chair Aaron Salā in a statement. “His leadership of HTA has contributed to record levels of growth for tourism and he has created a solid foundation for continued success. Moreover, his tireless work across the diverse populations of our community, and in both public and private sectors, is a testament to his commitment to Hawai‘i — our land, our people, and our culture. We wish him the very best and look forward to working with him in his new capacity in the years to come.”

McCartney will resign on Nov. 21. The HTA did not say what its process would be in replacing McCartney.