Tanoue, a Clinton appointee, was chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., which oversees and insures nearly 5,700 banks around the country, from May 1998 to July 2001. She joined the Bank of Hawaii as director in October.

Tanoue, 47, replaces outgoing Vice Chairman and Managing Committee member Walter Laskey, 60, who will retire March 31.

"When the opportunity to fill the position of vice chair arose, it was clear that Donna's exceptional credentials and distinguished background made her the ideal candidate for the job," said Michael O'Neill, Bank of Hawaii chairman and chief executive officer. "Her knowledge of financial services issues, leadership ability and strong ties to the community complement the strengths that exist within our Managing Committee."

Before becoming FDIC chairman, Tanoue was a partner in the law firm of Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel in Honolulu, where her practice focused on banking, real estate finance and government affairs.

Tanoue was also the former state Commissioner of Financial Institutions, regulating Hawai'i banks at the state level.

"I am very excited about this new responsibility with Bank of Hawaii," Tanoue said. "Bank of Hawaii is well positioned for the future."

Laskey joined the bank in 1993 as executive vice president of the Financial Services Group and served as chairman, chief executive officer of Hawaiian Trust Co. He was appointed vice chairman and joined the managing committee in April.

With Laskey's departure, Alton Kuioka, vice chairman of commercial banking, is the last senior executive from the group that had worked with Lawrence Johnson, the bank's CEO prior to the appointment of O'Neill in November 2000.

Reach Frank Cho at 525-8088, or at fcho@honoluluadvertiser.com.