Senate committee confirms Gina Ananuevo to Workforce Development Council; nominee highlights career-path programs and outreach

The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology voted to advise and consent to the appointments of Gina Ananuevo to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council (GM627 and GM726) on March 6, 2026.

Ananuevo introduced herself as a 20-year Hawaii resident and a First Hawaiian Bank executive who rebuilt audit, compliance and later HR and technology functions. She described building career-development programs at the bank to outline the steps and expectations for roles such as auditor and to promote internal advancement.

Asked what she would bring to the Workforce Development Council, Ananuevo pointed to skills-based career pathways, internship partnerships with the WDC, and career-path programs that identified transferable skills and supported internal promotions. "I actually built that, and it worked because I did have to rebuild the entire division," she said, describing efforts to recruit and train individuals without prior experience and promote from within.

On retention, Ananuevo said culture and management practices matter alongside pay and described stay interviews and individual development plans as tools to reduce turnover in lower-level positions. "It's not always about the money," she said, arguing that training, culture and managerial support can improve retention.

When asked about connecting the WDC with the Department of Education, Ananuevo said banks already provide financial-literacy outreach and suggested schools may need to revisit curricula in light of AI and changing workplace skills; she emphasized analytical and professional-communication skills for students.

The chair recommended "advise and consent" for both GM627 and GM726; the committee adopted the recommendations with all members present voting aye and two senators excused. The committee recorded written supporters for the nomination and congratulated Ananuevo.