Livingston "Jack" Wong has been named chief executive officer of the Kamehameha Schools educational trust.

The board of trustees announced Tuesday morning that Wong, who has been serving as interim CEO since April, had officially succeeded retired CEO Dee Jay Mailer.

"In the last six months, we have had the opportunity to work very closely with Jack, to personally experience the skills, and professional and personal qualities he brings to Kamehameha Schools," said board chairman Lance Wilhelm, in a statement.

"We value and appreciate his passion for our educational mission – Jack exemplifies the values of Pauahi, of Kamehameha Schools and our lahui, and his leadership and commitment will serve us well," he said.

Wong joined Kamehameha Schools in 1997 as senior counsel specializing in real estate, was promoted to director of KS’ Endowment Legal Division in 2000, and helped lead Kamehameha’s defense of its Hawaiian preference admission policy. Wong was named vice president for Legal Affairs in 2013.

"I am very honored by the trustees’ vote of confidence in me," Wong said, in the prepared announcement. "I believe we have built a mutually respectful and trusting relationship."