Gov. Josh Green names new director of Department of Budget and Finance

Seth Colby, Ph.D., will serve as the new director of the state Department of Budget and Finance beginning Dec. 8, according to a press release from Gov. Josh Green on Monday.

Colby currently serves as the chief state economist at the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. He brings eight years of experience working at the Hawaiʻi state level, conducting research and providing analysis and reporting to support key decision-making.

Colby’s experience includes work with the Research and Economic Analysis Division, where he produced comprehensive reports on Hawaiʻi’s economy, tourism, energy, and demographics. He also served as a tax researcher and planning officer with the state Department of Taxation, where he analyzed the state revenue system, assessed the fiscal impacts of proposed legislation, and contributed to macroeconomic forecasting.

Colby earned a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Development Economics and International Development. Earlier in his career, Colby worked extensively on economic and social development initiatives across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa with the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, and Johns Hopkins University.

“Seth brings a wealth of expertise in tax policy, economic research, and fiscal management,” Green said. “His leadership will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s financial foundation. I also extend my gratitude to Sabrina Nasir, who provided steady leadership during the transition and will continue serving as deputy finance director.”

In the press release, Green also extended gratitude to Deputy Finance Director Sabrina Nasir for her leadership during the transition.

“Having already demonstrated a strong working relationship, I am confident that Seth and Sabrina are well positioned to continue collaborating effectively on financial strategies for the department and the people of Hawaiʻi,” Green said.

In light of the fiscal uncertainty stemming from the federal government, further exacerbated by the recent government shutdown, the Department of Budget and Finance is prioritizing prudent fiscal guidance and support, particularly as the 2026 legislative session approaches.

The state of Hawaiʻi will begin a process to identify a state economist in the coming months.