Orlando "Dan" Davidson has been named the new executive officer of the state Land Use Commission.

Davidson, who serves as executive director of the Hawai'i Housing Finance and Development Corp., will assume his new duties on May 16. He will fill the position vacated by Anthony Ching, who is now executive director of the Hawai'i Community Development Authority.

The Land Use Commission oversees and administers the state's land use system and establishes land use districts. Its primary role is to ensure that areas of state concern are addressed and considered in the decision-making process.

Davidson began his career in Hawai'i as a private attorney and has also served as a deputy corporation counsel with the City and County of Honolulu, specializing in planning, zoning and environmental law.

He also served as deputy director of the state Department of Land Utilization and executive director of the private Land Use Research Foundation of Hawai'i.