The appointment of Jiro A. Sumada as the state Transportation Department's new deputy director of highways was announced yesterday by Gov. Linda Lingle.

Sumada starts his new job on on Aug. 27.

As deputy director of the Hawai'i County Department of Public Works, Sumada has worked with the community, state and federal transportation officials, and the County Council to implement roadway and infrastructure development projects.

The state news release stated Sumada currently oversees the operations, maintenance and engineering of approximately 1,031 miles of Hawai'i county roads, including Big Island traffic control systems.

"Jiro's expertise and experience in overseeing transportation projects at the county level in collaboration with the state, federal, community and private sectors will enhance the Department of Transportation's efforts to continue to upgrade our state highway systems and plan and develop future long-term projects," Lingle said.

Sumada earned a bachelor of science in civil engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Hawai'i.