"With the addition of Tommy Johnson and David Festerling, we now have a strong leadership team at the Department of Public Safety that can focus on getting the department on track," said Lingle. "Together, interim director Frank and deputy directors Propotnick, Johnson and Festerling have extensive experience in all facets of the department. Their individual management skills, expertise and knowledge will complement each other, as they lead the department employees in moving forward."
Johnson currently is the paroles and pardons administrator for the Hawaii Paroling Authority, a position he has held since 2001. He previously served as a youth corrections officer for the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility and was a correctional service officer for a high security facility in Arizona. Johnson was named the Department of Public Safety's Manager of the Year in 2003 and was nominated for the same honor in 2005.
Festerling has been serving as acting deputy director of administration since May 7. He started his career as a deputy sheriff for the Judiciary in 1983 and has nearly 24 years of service with the state. Thirteen of these years were spent as a budget analyst for the Department of Public Safety, during which he assisted in formulating, implementing and overseeing the department's budget. He also assisted the department's procurement staff regarding purchasing policies and procedures, and served as project manager for the development and implementation of a new personnel record budget and fiscal tracking and accounting system
