Honolulu Managing Director Michael Formby is stepping down later this month.
The City and County of Honolulu announced Monday that Formby, who became managing director in 2021, will leave his position on May 29, and will take up a new position as CEO of Pacific Marine and Supply Company, an 82-year-old conglomerate of various industrial maritime companies.
“Throughout our entire time at Honolulu Hale, Mike has led with professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public service,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi in a statement Monday. “He brought experience, calm leadership, and a deep understanding of how government can and should work for the people of Honolulu.”
Blangiardi touted Formby’s guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic and other major infrastructure initiatives during his tenure.
Deputy Managing Director Krishna Jayaram will take over for Formby as Managing Director Designate following his departure. Further details about who will take over the position permanently have yet to be revealed, but the managing director role is appointed directly by the mayor, with confirmation by the Honolulu City Council.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside Mayor Blangiardi, our department directors, City employees, and community partners over the past five and a half years,” Formby said in a statement Monday. “Together, we faced historic challenges and made meaningful progress on behalf of the people of Oʻahu. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and look forward to continuing to contribute to Hawaiʻi in this next chapter.”
Steven Loui, chairman of Pacific Marine and Supply Company said in a statement that Formby’s role as CEO will “help position the company for continued growth while deepening Hawai‘i's role in the future of Pacific-region industry and innovation.”
Prior to becoming managing director, Formby was executive director of the Pacific Resource Partnership — an organization representing the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters, the largest construction union in the state — between 2019 and 2020. Before that, he was chief of staff for the late U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, acting executive director for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation and an attorney with various Honolulu firms.
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