Gov. David Ige has appointed Central Pacific Bank President Lance Mizumoto as the new chair of the Board of Education.

The decision comes less than a week after Don Horner publicly announced plans to step down as chairman of the BOE, a position he has held since 2011.

Horner planned to make the transition at the next BOE meeting on July 21, but according to a press release from Ige’s office, Mizumoto’s appointment is effective immediately.

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“Lance is committed to creating a better future for Hawaii’s students. He believes that focusing on students and empowering principals, teachers and staff is the best path to success in our public education system,” Ige said in a press release Monday. “He is committed to school-based decision making. Lance will be a collaborative leader, one not afraid to tackle the tough issues that get in the way of student achievement.”

Horner announced his plans to step down as chair at last week’s BOE meeting. He was the first to serve as BOE chair since the board switched from elected to appointed positions. Horner said he plans to stay on for now as a member of the board.