Hawai‘i mayor appoints new IT, R&D directors

Mayor Mitch Roth has announced the appointment of Robert Ewbank as the Director of the County of Hawai‘i’s Department of Information Technology.

He also named Frecia Cevallos Deputy Director of the Department of Research and Development.

Ewbank, who currently works at the Hawaiʻi County Planning Department, will assume his new position with over 20 years of hands-on technical and supervisory experience.

“We are thrilled to have Robert Ewbank join our team as the Director of the Department of Information Technology,” said Mayor Roth. “Robert’s experience and expertise make him the ideal candidate for the position, and we look forward to working with him to continue to improve technology services for the County.”

The mayor also expressed appreciation to Scott Uehara for his commitment to assisting in creating a smooth transition and wished him success in his new role at Civil Defense.

Cevallos has been a valued member of the Department of Research and Development team for over 15 years, serving as an Economic Development Specialist.

“Frecia’s dedication and commitment to the County of Hawaiʻi, along with her years of expertise in regenerative tourism, culture, sustainability, and community building makes her a natural candidate to assume the role of Deputy Director,” said Mayor Roth.

As Deputy Director, Ms. Cevallos will continue to oversee economic development and sustainability efforts and initiatives, working closely with the department’s leadership team to ensure the implementation of sound policies and practices that support the County’s economic growth and development.

For the past nine years, Ms. Cevallos has successfully managed the development and implementation of the Hawaiʻi Island Tourism Strategic Plan and Destination Management Action Plan, which includes the County’s community-based tourism initiatives and the Hawaiʻi Island Visitor Promotions Program.

Her appointment comes on the heels of former Deputy Director Agres’ retirement.