Gov. Gary Herbert on Tuesday nominated a new executive director of the Department of Human Resource Management: Paul Garver — who directed human resources at Smiths Detection in Maryland and many divisions of Honeywell International.

The position, which is part of the governor’s Cabinet, is subject to confirmation by the state Senate.

“It’s a significantly important job,” Herbert said. “Government doesn’t function well unless the employees function well,” and Garver will oversee management and care of the 22,000 state employees.

“He has what I would call an infectious enthusiasm for work,” Herbert said. “His wide breadth of experience and detail-oriented personality will serve the state well.”

Garver said he looks forward to “help the operations of the state, and help government improve and work effectively.”

He has been vice president of human resources in Maryland for Smiths Detection — a security company that serves the military, aviation and ports — since 2014.

He oversaw human resources for several divisions of Honeywell International in New Jersey, Virginia, Arizona and North Carolina. He also worked in human resources for Aerospace, Defense & Space Electronics Systems in Minnesota.

He has an MBA from Brigham Young University, where he also has a master’s degree in linguistics and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish.

Garver would replace Debbie Cragun. She left the post in January to become the Legislature’s new human resources administrator.