50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam

GOVGUAM 50 UNDER 40 Håfa Adai, Congratulations on being selected for the GovGuam 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam!

This is an achievement that you should be proud of. You were chosen because others saw potential in you as an emerging leader in your organization and believed in your ability to create positive change in our island.

You join a group of driven, hardworking individuals who strive for the betterment of our people and who continuously push for improving our current systems. Guam would not be where we are today without people like you—people who embody the strength of a towering ifit, the work ethic of a mighty carabao, and the resourcefulness of our ancestors.

It is your spirit and drive that will help us overcome one of the biggest challenges we will face in our lifetime.

Congratulations, again, on this accomplishment.

Senseramente,

Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero Maga'hågan Guåhan Governor of Guam

Joshua F. Tenorio

Sigundo Maga'låhen Guåhan Lieutenant Governor of Guam

TINA ROSE MUÑA BARNES o

I Mina'Trentai Singko Na Liheslaturan Guahan

From the Speaker’s Desk Buenas Yan Hafa Adai! As Speaker of the 35th Guam Legislature and Chairwoman of the Committee on Public Accountability, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the Association of Government Accountants Guam Chapter on their 50th anniversary. This year we commemorate the AGA’s longstanding commitment to foster learning and leadership in the field of government accountability and recognize the AGA’s invaluable contributions to our island community. It is through the practice of accountability that organizations like the AGA are able to ensure that our government stays transparent and promotes inafa’maolek – a belief in the CHamoru culture to make good.

As public servants to the people of Guam, I believe that it is our moral and ethical obligation to ensure that our government continues to make good to our community by being fiscally responsible and open in its conduct. As we reflect on the accomplishments of the AGA’s past and recognize the achievements of our accountants, auditors, and contract workers let us continue to uphold the legacy of the AGA and empower our emerging government leaders. As Speaker of the 35th Guam Legislature, I look forward to working with you all as we continue to make good to our community.

To the 50 under 40 Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam, having seen many of you grow up before my eyes, and having the honor and privilege of working with many of you - not only do I want to personally congratulate you, but also express my most heartfelt Un Dangkolo Na Si Yu’us Ma’ase for your service and commitment to a better Guam. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, I can sleep better knowing that you are all in place to ensure that our future looks promising.

Sinseru yan Magahit,

Tina Rose Muña Barnes Speaker, 35th Guam Legislature

Address: 163 W. Chalan Santo Papa Hagåtña, GU 96910 Phone: (671) 477-2520/2521 / Email: speaker@guamlegislature.org / Website: www.guamlegislature.org

Håfa Adai! On behalf of the Judiciary of Guam, I extend my sincere congratulations to the Guam Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) on 50 years of excellent service to our island. With a membership that has included individuals ranging from entry-level employees to top managers to elected officials, the local AGA chapter has dedicated itself to fostering greater accountability across our government. Since 1970, the AGA Guam Chapter has advanced the goals of increasing transparency and accountability through the development of accounting and auditing standards and improving systems of government financial management. In good economic times and particularly in challenging times, it is so important that the public feels confident that their government is managing its coffers with uprightness and integrity. For half a century now, the AGA has been working to ensure that such confidence is well-placed. Their work is commendable, and their service is valued by us all.

In commemorating its 50 years of service, the AGA Guam Chapter has selected 50 outstanding young government professionals to recognize and honor in its publication “50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam.” I congratulate all 50 who were selected. Among them are leaders who will carry our island through the decades ahead. To these emerging leaders, I hope that, whether or not you yourselves become members of the AGA, you will nonetheless learn about what the AGA stands for and commit yourselves to advancing those same ideals through your own work, whatever that may be.

On behalf of your third branch of government, congratulations once again to the AGA Guam Chapter and to the outstanding young government servants featured in this publication.

Senseramente,

F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO Chief Justice of Guam

“The Judiciary of Guam is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

Håfa Adai and Congratulations to the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) Guam Chapter as they celebrate 50 years of service and achievements in government financial management!

Since 1970, the AGA Guam Chapter has established itself as an organization that, time and time again, puts our people first. By fostering education, providing avenues for professional development and certification, supporting standards and research for institutional performance, and offering guidance in responsible management and reporting, its members have embodied the mission of advancing government accountability and transparency with excellence.

From my formative years of education, to experiences in the world of finance, and service in our local and federal legislature, I have seen first-hand the importance of the work that AGA accomplishes every day. With a commitment to government, leadership, ethics, and innovation, Guam’s AGA professionals have not only transformed their respective organizations and sectors, but they continue to strengthen our entire community as well.

Their diligence in connecting constituents with government agencies, encouraging financial competence, and supporting valuable representation guide us on the path of building a more responsible Guam.

Informed by a rich history of public service and elevated by a membership of leaders in act and thought, AGA reinforces the criticality of attention to the intersections of finance, government, and the needs of our people. As we navigate an ever-changing world and economy, I am confident in the future that will be forged for Guam and our region by the honorees recognized in this publication and their colleagues. I am both humbled and inspired to be among a community of professionals who lead by example, serve with integrity, and enthusiastically contribute to the betterment of our communities.

It is with great pleasure that I commend and acknowledge the AGA Guam Chapter for 50 extraordinary years of achievement and growth. Once again, congratulations yan Un Dångkulu na si Yu’os Ma’åse’ for the years of service you have dedicated to our field, people, and island. May this organization continue to advocate for our citizens, cultivate meaningful relationships, and persist as a catalyst for change in the decades to come!

Michael F.Q. San Nicolas Member of Congress

Hafa Adai,

Advancing Government Accountability

Association of Government Accountants P.O. Box 1124 Hagatna, Guam 96932 http://aga.guam.net agaguamchapter@gmail.com

Pilar Pangelinan President

Maripaz N. Perez President‐Elect

Fierce Catoc Treasurer

Llewelyn Terlaje Treasurer‐Elect

Pamela Aguigui Secretary

Debbie Ngata Immediate Past President

Thank you for taking the time to learn who are Guam’s 50 movers and shakers 40 years and under. Congratulations to all the nominees. We received numerous nominations from all three branches of government, which made it difficult to decide who would be featured. My unequivocal message is we searched everywhere in the government for all types of professionals to showcase as our future leaders, we hope that they will continue to shine and lead the accountability challenge that our citizens desire.

I encourage all of us to hold ourselves accountable and work on becoming a more inclusive body, just like these promising young leaders. We need to dedicate ourselves to the betterment of our entire shared community. Let us all work together towards continued growth, problem solving and accountability. We the Association of Government Accountants want to share our 50th anniversary legacy, which will honor our past, recognize our present, and prepare for the future.

Our next publication will be published in December. It will be a “Who’s Who in Government Accountability” – with biographies of government professionals whose mission is to advance government accountability. Individuals in GovGuam accounting, auditing, budgeting, finance, contract management, program management, grants management, and academia will be recognized.

I hope after reading their biographies that you will be motivated to pursue your own dream and will consider joining our chapter if you are not yet a member. To learn more about the AGA Guam Chapter, its history, leaders, members, events, and community service projects, please visit the AGA Guam Chapter website at aga.guam.net.

Stay safe, Pilar Pangelinan President Program Year 2020-2021

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Table of Contents Foreword ........................................................... 9

Joanna McDonald ........................................... 50

About the AGA Guam Chapter......................... 9

Magdalena “Maggie” Santos Naputi .............. 51

Lawrence Alcairo ............................................ 13

Telena Cruz Nelson......................................... 52

Jermaine Alerta ............................................... 15

Carissa E. Pangelinan...................................... 54

Trinajae M. Apatang ....................................... 16

Maripaz N. Perez ............................................ 55

Candise Nacole M. Lizama Aragon ................ 17

Jesse Quenga ................................................... 56

Isa Baza ........................................................... 19

Aaron T.L. Quitugua ....................................... 58

Amanda Francel Blas ...................................... 20

Abigail Q. Reyes ............................................. 59

Jenna G. Blas .................................................. 22

John J. Rivera, PhD. ........................................ 61

Simone E.P. Bollinger..................................... 23

Clariza Mae Roque ......................................... 62

Joy Bulatao...................................................... 24

Krystal Paco San Agustin ............................... 63

Jon Junior Calvo ............................................. 25

Jose Dante S. Santiago .................................... 64

Victor M.C. Camacho ..................................... 26

Frank Muna Santos ......................................... 65

Justin B. Castro ............................................... 27

Janelle C. Santos ............................................. 66

Ana S.M. Cornwell ......................................... 28

Amanda L. Shelton ......................................... 67

Henry M. Cruz ................................................ 29

Austin J. Shelton III, Ph.D. ............................. 68

Jose Salas Cruz, Jr........................................... 30

Kevin Susuico ................................................. 69

Rachel F. Cubacub .......................................... 32

Llewelyn R. Terlaje ........................................ 70

Edlyn M. Dalisay ............................................ 33

David Welle .................................................... 71

Chloé G. R. Dydasco ...................................... 34

John Wiglesworth ........................................... 72

Sarah Elmore-Hernandez ................................ 35 Charles V. Esteves .......................................... 36 Christine Fejeran ............................................. 37 Nico A. C. Fujikawa ....................................... 39

Rodalyn May A. Gerardo ................................ 40

Emma Ford Gillan........................................... 42 Joseph Blas Gumataotao, J.D.......................... 43 Artemio “Ricky” Hernandez, Ph.D., CGFM .. 44 Andrew H. Lee ................................................ 46 Régine Biscoe Lee .......................................... 47 Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero .......................... 48

Mary Evelyn Soriano Maravilla...................... 49

8 | 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam

Foreword The Association of Government Accountants (AGA) Guam Chapter is pleased to present the 50 UNDER 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam.

This publication highlights the biographies of 50 outstanding Government of Guam employees 40 years or younger. This project was undertaken as part of the AGA Guam Chapter’s 50th anniversary activities. Our goal is to highlight the future of our island’s government by featuring younger employees that have made an impact in their respective organizations or communities.

Our honorees were selected based on being a current, full-time GovGuam employee with at least five years of work experience by the end of 2020. They must have also been 40 years or younger as of December 2020 and demonstrated the skills to be an outstanding leader and shown commitment to improving government operations. Each of these 50 individuals were identified by senior management, elected and appointed officials, managers, supervisors, and their peers as having the drive and dedication to advance government accountability on our island.

We thank you for reading our publication. It was certainly a pleasure working on this project. We look forward to the continued contributions from all our honorees.

Vincent J. G. Duenas Chairperson, 50th Anniversary Activities AGA Guam Chapter Past President

Editorial Contributions Dr. Doreen Crisostomo Debbie Ngata Pilar Pangelinan

Chapter Officers – 2020-2021 Pilar Pangelinan President

Maripaz N. Perez President-Elect

Debbie Ngata Immediate Past-President

Pamela Aguigui Secretary

Fierce Catoc Treasurer Llewelyn Terlaje Treasurer-Elect Cover by

Barry Hernandez

About the AGA Guam Chapter AGA’s mission is to foster learning, certification, leadership and collaboration for professionals and stakeholders committed to advancing government accountability. Our chapter includes almost 200 members that range from students and entry-level employees to senior executives and elected officials who work for the local government, post-secondary educational institutions, federal agencies, public accounting firms, and private industries. Our members are involved in various disciplines including accounting, auditing, budgeting, finance, contract management, program management, grants management, and academia.

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On the web: http://aga.guam.net Email: agaguamchapter@gmail.com

A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority Artemio “Ricky” Hernandez, Ph.D. Deputy Executive Manager Henry M. Cruz Procurement Administrator

Department of Education Isa Baza Public Information Officer Joy Bulatao Auditor III Justin B. Castro Accountant I

Guam Community College Simone E.P. Bollinger Assistant Professor

Guam Developmental Disabilities Council Jermaine Alerta Executive Director

Chloé G.R. Dydasco Teacher Bureau of Budget and Management Research Jose Salas Cruz, Jr. Budget and Management Analyst Abigail Q. Reyes Budget and Management Analyst III

Department of Agriculture Christine Fejeran Forestry Chief

Guam Fire Department

Guam Behavorial Health and Wellness Center

Andrew H. Lee Firefighter I

Carissa E. Pangelinan Deputy Director

Guam Commission for Educator Certification Jesse Quenga ExecutiveDirector

Guam Legislature Telena Cruz Nelson Vice-Speaker Regine Biscoe Lee Senator

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Amanda L. Shelton Senator Mary Evelyn Soriano Maravilla Director, Committee on Rules

Guam Visitors Bureau Guam Police Department

Llewelyn R. Terlaje Budget Analyst

Magdalena “Maggie” Santos Naputi Sergeant I

Sarah ElmoreHernandez Chief of Staff

Frank Muna Santos Sergeant I

Nico A.C. Fujikawa Director of Tourism Research

Judiciary of Guam

Trinajae M. Apatang Office Manager

Guam Power Authority Guam Memorial Hospital Authority

Maripaz N. Perez Internal Auditor

Edlyn M. Dalisay General Accounting Supervisor Rodalyn May. A. Gerardo Chief Auditor Janelle C. Santos Accountant II/FollowUp Supervisor

Victor Michael C. Camacho Deputy Marshal Supervisor Ana S.M. Cornwell Attorney II Emma Ford Gillan Judicial Therapist Joanna McDonald Civil Case Manager

Guam State Clearinghouse Lawrence Alcairo Grant Specialist Candise Nacole M.L. Aragon Grant Specialist

Aaron T.L. Quitugua Administrative Services Officer David Welle Language Assistance Manager

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Mayors Council of Guam Kevin Susuico Mayor of Agat

Office of the Governor Jon Junior Calvo Chief of Staff Krystal Paco San Agustin Press Secretary

Office of Civil Defense Charles V. Esteves Administrator Jenna G. Blas Public Information Officer

Office of Public Accountability Clariza Mae Roque Accountability Auditor III

University of Guam

John J. Rivera, Ph.D. Director, Regional Center for Public Policy, Associate Professor of Public Administration Jose Dante S. Santiago Junior Network Engineer Austin J. Shelton, III, Ph.D. Director, UOG Center for Island Sustainability, Director, UOG Sea Grant, Assistant Professor John Wiglesworth Web Developer

Amanda Francel Blas Administrative Supervisor Rachel F. Cubacub Associate Budget and Administrative Process Officer Joseph Blas Gumataotao Chief Human Resources Officer Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero Managing Editor

12 | 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam Â

Lawrence Alcairo Grant Specialist Guam State Clearinghouse Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Lawrence Alcairo is the son of Command Chief Master Sergeant Joseph Alcairo (Ret.) and Lilia Alcairo of Yigo. He is currently a Grant Specialist in the Guam State Clearinghouse where he oversees hundreds of millions in grant funding in the areas of health, education, environment, and public safety for the Government of Guam. Lawrence has also secured approximately $1 million in competitive, discretionary grant funding for educated related entities since joining the Clearinghouse in January 2019 and manages an additional $1 million in competitive, discretionary grant funding for career and technical training. Lawrence also provides logistical support for the Islandwide Beautification Task Force and is an enumerator with the 2020 Census of Guam, where he has conducted dozens of interviews to ensure even our most vulnerable populations are counted.

After graduating from Father Duenas Memorial School, Lawrence was awarded the University of Guam Merit Scholarship, the Robert C. Byrd, and the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps scholarship, which would be used at the University of California, Los Angeles. After an unfortunate injury, Lawrence would return to Guam where he would continue his studies at the University of Guam (UOG), pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology: Bio-Medical Track, Chemistry: Pre-Pharmacy Track, and Agriculture: Human Nutrition and Food Sciences Track with Certificates in Health Service Administration and Ethics and the Guam Community College (GCC) pursuing an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies. Lawrence has also completed FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute’s (EMI) Professional Development Series and other EMI courses.

Lawrence began his government service as a legislative policy and research analyst in the 33rd Guam Legislature under the Offices of Senator Frank Blas Aguon, Jr., where he guided the work of the Committee on the Guam U.S. Military Relocation, Public Safety, and Judiciary, and Senator Michael F.Q. San Nicolas, where he served as Administrator of the 31st Guam Youth Congress and focused on constituent affairs, especially in the area of tax refunds, for the Committee on Finance & Taxation, General Government Operations, and Youth Development. Lawrence took a brief break from government to work on operations at MacTechGuam where he was able to help them secure their first Pika’s Best Award in 2017. Lawrence would then return to the 34th Guam Legislature under the Office of Senator Telena Cruz Nelson where he would focus on issues related to public safety, emergency response, and the federal receivership of the Guam Solid Waste Authority under the Committee on Housing, Utilities, Public Safety, and Homeland Security.

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Lawrence’s interest in government started with representing his village of Yigo in the 29th Guam Youth Congress, which would culminate with his selection as Speaker of the 30th Guam Youth Congress. During this time, Lawrence was able to represent the youth in various boards and commissions, namely the Guam First Commission Advisory Council, 12th Festival of the Pacific Arts Coordinating Committee, Island-wide Board of Governing Students, and the UOG Regent Nominating Council. Lawrence has also served as a member of the GCC Council on Post-Secondary Student Affairs and the UOG Student Government Association.

In 2013, Lawrence was appointed by the Calvo-Tenorio administration to serve as a youth member on the Advisory Council on Mental Health and Substance Abuse of the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) where he was selected as the Recorder and would eventually serve as Acting Chair. Lawrence worked with the Federal Management Team to move GBHWC towards accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Lawrence was recently appointed by the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio administration to serve as one of the youngest members of the Guam Education Board.

Lawrence has also volunteered as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Guam, a Haggan Watch Volunteer at the Department of Agriculture, My Preparedness Initiative Community Emergency Response Team Instructor at Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense, 32nd Guam Youth Congress Sergeant-At-Arms, Voter Registrar with the Guam Election Commission, where he was able to registering hundreds of voters. Lawrence is a member of the Association of Government Accountants-Guam Chapter, the Guam Young Professionals, and the Rotaract Club of the Marianas.

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Jermaine Alerta Executive Director Guam Developmental Disabilities Council

Jermaine Alerta is a proud graduate of Southern High School’s Class of 2000 and attended the University of Guam. Jermaine has worked in the government of Guam for approximately 17 years, serving in both the executive and legislative branches.

In January 2019, Jermaine was appointed by Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Joshua F. Tenorio to serve as the Executive Director of the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council. He currently serves as a member on the Guam Behavioral Health Planning Council, the Guam Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities, the Guam Center in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research & Service (CEDDERS) Advisory Council, and the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Advisory Council. From 2007 to 2009, Jermaine worked at the Guam State Clearinghouse under Lieutenant Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D., serving as the Staff Assistant for information technologies. In 2009, served as a writer and Staff Assistant for the Communications Department under Governor Felix P. Camacho.

In the Legislature, Jermaine began as a junior Staff Assistant under Senator John M. Quinata and the Committee on Public Safety and Tourism in the 27th Guam Legislature. In the 28th Guam Legislature, he served as a Staff Assistant to Senator Michael W. Cruz, M.D., and the Committee on Health and Human Services. In the 31st Guam Legislature, he served as Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Senator Mana Silva Taijeron. He served under Senator Michael F.Q. San Nicolas, first as Chief Policy Analyst and later as Committee Director for the Committee on Aviation, Ground Transportation, Regulatory Concerns, and Future Generations during the 32nd Guam Legislature, and served as Committee Director for the Committee on Finance & Taxation, General Government Operations, and Youth Development during the 33rd Guam Legislature. Jermaine has also served as Executive Director of the 34th Guam Legislature and as a Research Analyst for Senator Telena C. Nelson and the Committee on Housing, Utilities, Public Safety, and Homeland Security.

Jermaine was elected as one of Southern High School’s first representatives to the Guam Youth Congress (GYC), and later served as Youth Speaker in the 25th Guam Youth Congress representing the village of Agat. As a member of GYC, he had the opportunity to serve on and be involved with many community organizations including the Governor’s PEACE Council, the Sanctuary, Inc. Board of Directors, the University of Guam Regent Nominating Council, the Micronesian Youth Services Network, and the Commission on Decolonization. Jermaine credits his involvement in the Youth Congress for sparking his interest in government and politics.

In his spare time, Jermaine enjoys singing and has served in the music ministries for his home parish – Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Agat – as well as for the Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Agana Heights, the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Toto, and the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagåtña. He also enjoys various sports including baseball, volleyball, golf, basketball, and outrigger canoe. Jermaine has been coaching the Notre Dame High School paddling team since 2009. Additionally, he currently serves as President of the Guam Kayak and Canoe Federation and as a member of the Guam National Olympic Committee.

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Trinajae M. Apatang Office Manager Senator James Moylan Guam Legislature

Trinajae M. Apatang was born on Guam and raised on a tiny little island in the CNMI - Rota. She graduated at Rota High school with honors in 2003 and relocated to Guam and is a resident of Mongmong-Toto-Maite. She attended the University of Guam and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Public Administration in 2014. She then proceeded to graduate school and earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) in 2016.

Trinajae began her government career in 2014 under the Executive Direction of former Governor Eddie Baza Calvo and Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio.

She was scouted at the University and hired right before receiving her undergraduate degree. She worked under Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio as a Grant Specialist and later as his Senior Grant Specialist. She has produced writeups for several federal grants that have been awarded. Prior to the transition of the new administration, Trinajae was transferred the Public Safety division, under the office of Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio. She continued her tenure throughout the conclusion of the Calvo Tenorio administration and wrote grants for public safety agencies. Because of her grant write-ups, the Guam Police Department, the Neighborhood Watch Program, the Department of Corrections (Corrections Masterplan and Redevelopment Plan) and the Guam Fire Department (boat ramp construction) were recipients of grant funding.

She now serves at the pleasure of Senator James “Jim” C. Moylan as his office manager and continues to dedicate her time to public service. In her current capacity, Trinajae assists in coordinating events, policy strategy, and acts as a liaison between local leadership and constituents.

She continues to be an active member of the GOP, Republican Party of Guam, her village Neighborhood Watch Program and continues to offer her experience in grant writing with any government entities needing assistance.

In her free time, Trinajae enjoys spending her weekends off at the beach with her two children, friends and families. She also enjoys grilling, playing football and baseball.

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Candise Nacole M. Lizama Aragon Grant Specialist Guam State Clearinghouse Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Candise Nacole M. Lizama Aragon is the daughter of Mark Anthony Gumataotao Lizama and Celeste Ann Santos Lizama. Candise is the granddaughter to Defunto Pedro “Pete” Leon Guerrero Santos and Rosario San Nicolas Santos (Familian Maca of Chalan Pago) and Juan Cruz Lizama and Ana Gumataotao Lizama (Familian Kondo of Mangilao/Barrigada)(adopted paternal grandparents) and Teresita Fejeran Iriarte Dungca of Tumon (biological grandmother). Candise married Aaron Teriong Aragon of Santa Monica, California.

She is a Grant Specialist in the Guam State Clearinghouse, under the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, where she oversees compliance between federal grantors and their local entities equated to hundreds of millions of dollars in the areas of infrastructure, administration, legal, economy and military for the Government of Guam. Candise’s most recent accomplishment was securing $720 thousand in competitive federal funding for digitalizing the Office of the Governor’s records and converting microfilm and microfiche files to digital format for record retention. In addition to the securing of funding she is now managing a total of $2,607,000 in technical assistance funding. Her most recent projects are to seek funding and a strategy to address Guam’s Invasive Species, the Chain of Love (Kadena) and to seek funding and strategies for Guam’s Veteran State Home Community Project. In addition to grant work, Candise also has other duties inclusive of coordinating events and projects for the Islandwide Beautification Task Force (IBTF) and the permitting of the Great Seal of Guam.

Candise is a proud gecko for life, who graduated from George Washington High School with a concurrent Guam Community College Marketing Mastery Certificate. Her mastery certificate also included internships for high school credit at the Under Water World Guam and the Small Business Pacific Development Center. After high school, she proceeded to achieve her Bachelor of Business Administration, concentrating in Entrepreneurship from the University of Guam. Before starting college classes, in 2012, Candise interned at the District Court of Guam under the Chambers of the Chief Justice. In between attending classes at the university, Candise served as a Procurement Intern at Alvarez and Marsal, LLC (A&M, GDOE Third Party Fiduciary) in 2014 and worked at Ross Stores Incorporated, TuRe’ Café, and the Bank of Guam Mangilao and Harmon Branches. Since working at the Guam State Clearinghouse, Candise has received certification for Guam’s Procurement Technical Training in Modules I-IV in and a Verified Certificate of Achievement (VCA) for Academic Engagement in Public Policy with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MITx).

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Although, Candise’s first government service was since her internship with the District Court of Guam, Candise felt the need to serve and experience the opposite side of the classroom. Candise kicked off her government career when she taught Guam History and World Geography at Tiyan High School, as a Limited Term Part Time Teacher, in 2016, immediately after completing her degree. She then became a brand manager and promotions coordinator at Micronesian Brokers where she oversaw lines such as Nestle, Abbott (Similac, PediaSure, Pedialyte, and Ensure), Gerber, Mauna Loa and Colgate. After venturing off and taking a break from government for brief period, Candise became a Grants Specialist at the Guam State Clearinghouse.

Candise’s interest for government and public service has grown and she has found her heart right here on Guam. Although, she had plans to seek further education away from Guam, staying on island and establishing a career and a life on island is where she has found her heart. In addition to her career work as a public servant, she also is a Government Representative on the Guam Workman’s Compensation Commission, where she aims at ensuring the prompt and accurate benefit of payments and appropriate service in order for individuals to facilitate their return to gainful employment.

Candise also serves an elected representative for the Ordot District of the Central Executive Committee under the Democratic Party of Guam and has most recently served under the Nominating committee for the Party Election in June 2020 for the Party State Chair and State Delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

Candise has served as a member of the Soroptimist International of the Marianas and the Rotary Club of Northern Guam. In her role with Rotary, she served as the board’s Youth Service Director where she had a hand in establishing multiple Interact Clubs at various private and public high schools. She was awarded Rookie Rotarian of the Year 2016-2017 and Rotarian of the Year 2018-2019. Although she is not an official member at this time, she continues to advocate for their purpose and missions and serves with the clubs occasionally.

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Isa Baza Public Information Officer Department of Education

Isa Baza is the spokesperson and head of communications at the Guam Department of Education (GDOE). In her role, she works closely with the Superintendent of Education, GDOE management team, and serves as a liaison to the Joint Information Center and various government agencies.

She manages internal and external communication for the department by facilitating TV and radio interviews, managing local media relations, issuing press releases and overseeing crisis communications. Working closely with the Foundation for Public Education, she spearheads the Teacher of the Year program. She also currently serves as the communications chair for the District School Readiness Task Force, which was tasked with reopening schools in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to joining the Guam Department of Education, Isa worked as a TV news reporter and anchor with KUAM News. While at KUAM, she covered topics including education, healthcare, military affairs, environment and regional security. She was featured in national and international media including CNN, BBC, MSNBC and Fox News. She also hosted and produced the show “Health Home and Lifestyle,” which aired weekly on TV8 and TV11.

Isa is currently pursuing her Juris Doctorate degree from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, MN, and is expected graduate in January 2021. She has experience working in the legal field at both the GDOE Legal Division and at Blair, Sterling, Johnson & Martinez.

Isa received her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and English from the University of Miami in Florida. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, running and yoga.

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Amanda Francel Blas Administrative Supervisor Center for Global Learning and Engagement University of Guam

Amanda Francel Blas received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and communication from the University of Portland and earned her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Guam. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in public administration from Capella University with the intent of expanding the study of public administration and policymaking in the Western Pacific.

Over the last five years, Amanda has served in various capacities throughout the Government of Guam. She first entered the realm of public service as the Deputy Director of Communications for then-Governor Eddie Baza Calvo. For two years, Amanda worked with constituents, media outlets, government agencies, and various organizations at the local, regional and national level, providing invaluable information on pressing policy topics facing our island. Some of her greatest achievements during this time include her critical role as part of the communications committee for the 12th Festival of the Pacific Arts (FESTPAC), the largest cultural celebration of indigenous Pacific islanders: she served as the host for the video highlights and live broadcast of the FESTPAC opening ceremony produced by the Pacific Community (SPC), which was streamed to more than a dozen countries. She also served as the marketing chair on several occasions for the Magnificent Professionals (MAGPRO) Awards, a government employee and agency recognition program.

In 2017, Amanda was appointed as the Executive Director of the Commission on Decolonization, providing support to the Commission and its three taskforces: Free Association, Independence and Statehood.

Amanda worked with the Commission to coordinate outreach efforts; develop education materials; and successfully digitize decades’ worth of resources on Guam’s political status journey, aiding the Commission in its mission of educating the people of Guam on the political status options available. She provided testimony at the United Nations’ Regional Seminar on Decolonization twice and provided the first digital testimony on behalf of a non-self-governing territory to the United Nations’ Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization Committee). Amanda also served as a presenter during the 23rd Micronesian Islands Forum, composed of the Chief Executives of Micronesia. During her time as the executive director, Amanda also had the opportunity to work with numerous United Nations ambassadors and was invited participate in the United Nations’ InterRegional Meeting on the Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) on the Samoa Pathway.

While serving as the executive director, Amanda was also tapped for the Guam Academy Charter Schools Council and was elected to be the

20 | 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam

council’s chairwoman. Alongside the council, Amanda worked with the charter schools to develop standard operating procedures, budget protocols, and efficient processes for charter approval and renewal. Amanda remains a strong advocate for expanding educational opportunities for Guam’s students.

Today, Amanda serves as the administrative supervisor for the University of Guam’s Center for Global Learning and Engagement. In this role, Amanda has had the opportunity to support training for over 900 teachers from Guam and the CNMI; celebrate the graduation of two Certified Nursing Assistant cohorts; serve on the NAFSA Association of International Educators Hawaii & Pacific District Communication Teams; work with dozens of government agencies on projects; and assist with partnerships between the University and the Northern Marianas College.

Amanda also serves as an adjunct professor for the School of Business and Public Administration.

Prior to her time in the Government of Guam, Amanda worked as a writer, reporter, copy editor, custom publishing coordinator, and marketing coordinator for various organizations within the private sector. She also has served in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Amanda is married to Kevin Castro, a lineman apprentice with the Guam Power Authority. She is the daughter of Kristine S. Blas and the granddaughter of the late Francisco and Cecilia Blas, who she describes as her greatest inspirations. She is grateful for her family, friends, colleagues and supporters – she dedicates her accomplishments to all of them.

21 | 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam

Jenna G. Blas Public Information Officer Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense

Jenna G. Blas is currently the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) and has been with the agency since 2014. As the PIO, she is responsible for producing and delivering various forms of strategic messaging as they relate to the public affairs and communication of the agency for the protection of Guam and its peoples from disasters, natural and manmade, and during emergency events. She serves as a public affairs liaison between GHS/OCD and various government of Guam agencies, military partners, the Office of the Governor, and private, non-profit organizations.

Blas is a 2004 graduate from Notre Dame High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Organizational Communications from the California State University, Sacramento in 2012 and completed her Master in Public Administration degree from the University of Guam in 2019.

Blas holds the Certified Manager credential from the Institute of Certified Professional Managers. She is also a member of the Epsilon Pi Phi Honor Society.

Blas enjoys spending time with her husband Brian and their daughter Elise. Â

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Simone E.P. Bollinger Assistant Professor English Department Guam Community College

Simone Efigenia Perez Bollinger is a writer, educator, home gardener and mother. She holds a Master’s in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education (2010) and a bachelor's degree in English from Dickinson College (2005).

She has been teaching at the Guam Community College for ten years and is currently the English Department chairperson. She is also the GCC Faculty Senate president and has served on various committees during her time at the College.

A dedicated CHamoru educator, Simone has worked for many years to develop and revise curriculum and has created the first CHamoru-focused path at GCC: the CHamoru Culture and Education Track of the Liberal Studies Program. The aim of the track is to offer students who wish to become Chamoru language teachers a clear path toward certification. She plans to develop the track into its own program eventually and offer more classes in CHamoru at the college level.

Simone is also a founding member and vice president of Ta Tuge’ Mo’na, a nonprofit that supports literary communities on Guam. As part of the group, she has co-edited two anthologies of Pacific literature and worked with authors to streamline their manuscripts. The group has also held writing workshops, which seek to develop the capacity of writers on Guam.

Simone has written two children’s books in CHamoru: Ma Guaiya Yu’ Si Nana yan Si Tata (2016, co-written with her sister-in-law Dana Bollinger) and Un Ha’åne yan Si Ena (2019). She reads the books at local schools often, especially during CHamoru month. She plans to publish more books in the future that are aimed at young adults.

She was a Literary Arts Publications delegate in 2016 during the Festival of Pacific Arts hosted on Guam. She has also published many short works of non-fiction and poetry that highlight life on Guam. She plays soccer with the Sidekicks Women’s Team and enjoys snorkeling, hiking, and planting.

23 | 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam

Joy Bulatao Auditor III Internal Audit Office Guam Department of Education

Joy has worked for the Government of Guam for over 10 years. In 2010, she began her career as an Auditor I at the Office of Public Accountability under the leadership of Public Auditor Doris Flores Brooks. She continued her career as an Auditor II in 2014 and as an Auditor III in 2018 at the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) under the leadership of Superintendent Jon J.P. Fernandez.

Since 2014, Joy worked alongside Chief Auditor Franklin Cooper-Nurse in the rebuilding of the GDOE Internal Audit Office (IAO). She developed three-year audit plans and Standard Operating Procedures for the IAO, and Department of Interior Office of Insular Affairs Technical Assistance Program grant applications for the IAO and Financial Affairs.

She led audit teams in providing assurance services to the GDOE, some of which were high profile, such as Agueda I. Johnston Middle School SY 2016-2017 Student Activity Funds Investigative Audit, the Guahan Academy Charter School Risk Assessment, and validation of GDOE’s Reconsideration Evaluation Plan submissions. Moreover, she co-authored advisories with Mr. Cooper-Nurse, such as Overtime to Exempt Employees, Cash Management Guidance to Parent Teacher Organizations, and the Education Stabilization Fund Internal Controls and Subrecipient Monitoring Plan.

Joy graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 2004 and was awarded a Merit Scholarship. She was designated as a Regent Scholar and graduated as a cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Guam (UOG) in 2009. She is a Certified Government Financial Manager since 2014 and has completed all four tracks of the Guam Community College’s Procurement Basic Training in 2018.

Joy was the Vice President of Documentation in 2008 and the President of the UOG Junior Accountants Society in 2009. She was part of the Association of Government Accountants Chapter Executive Committee from 2009 to 2015 as a Secretary, Chairperson for the 5K Run/Walk Registration and Newsletter Committees, and Co-Chairperson for the Scholarship Committee. She volunteered for the International Coastal Cleanup in 2018 and consistently provides charitable contributions to GDOE community projects (e.g. Christmas wish list for students).

Joy is the eldest daughter of Romeo and Florida Bulatao and is the sister of Ferlyn Bulatao. Joy’s greatest personal achievements are her commitment to public service and continuous contributions to her organization regardless of the challenges. She attributes her resilience to the support she receives through her loved ones, those who have guided her as well her fellow professionals, and the island community.

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Jon Junior Calvo

Chief of Staff Office of the Governor of Guam

Jon Junior Calvo currently serves as the Chief of Staff to Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio. He was initially appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff when the Administration took office in 2019.

Jon Junior is married to Jodee Catahay and together they have two sons, Juan Mason and James Matias.

Prior to joining the Administration, he served as the District Chief of Staff to former Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo where he first joined the Congressional office as a Policy Advisor in 2011 and then later became District Director.

Mr. Calvo attended the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and returned to Guam where he received his bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Guam in May 2010 and later received his master’s degree in Public Administration.

Before entering federal and local government services, Jon Junior was the editor-in-chief for the U Matuna, the island’s only Catholic newspaper, and public relations manager for the Dulce Nombre de Maria CathedralBasilica in the Archdiocese of Agaña, Guam. He is a member of several non-profit, faith-based, and young professional organizations dedicated to community service initiatives throughout the year.

Jon is of Chamorro descent and speaks the indigenous language conversationally.

In January 2005, Jon was selected to serve a six-month appointment as Congresswoman Bordallo’s first Congressional Page to the United States House Page Program in Washington, D.C. The program afforded Jon the privileged opportunity to attend the Capitol Page School in the Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress. Jon Junior reported to the office of the Clerk of the House to provide supplemental and administrative support for House operations and Members of Congress on the floor of the House.

25 | 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam

Victor M.C. Camacho Deputy Marshal Supervisor Marshals Division Judiciary of Guam

Victor M.C. Camacho is a Deputy Marshal Supervisor with the Judiciary of Guam, Marshals Division assigned to the Security Services Section.

Camacho oversees and manages 56 full-time deputy marshals and 20 Volunteer Deputy Marshal Reservist. Camacho began his law enforcement career with the Guam Police Department in 1998 as a Civilian Volunteer Police Reservist for the 12th cycle. Upon completing the 6th Basic Law Enforcement Academy, he transitioned to a full-time Police Officer with the 41st Guam Police Cycle in 1999, serving as a police officer for 16 years.

Between 2013 and 2015, Camacho served as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal, where he worked with the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force, also known as the “Taotaomona Task Force”. Throughout Camacho’s career as a police officer, he credits his background in training and experiences from his brothers-in-arms while assigned to the Special Operations Division as a full-time Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) member. Camacho is accredited for his training and certifications he holds; Camacho was a part of the 5th SWAT Cycle. He graduated from the University of Guam with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Public Administration. He also received his Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Guam as part of the Judiciary of Guam’s Cohort Pilot Program.

Camacho is passionate and self-motivated in his law enforcement career.

His drive and determination to meet mission objectives are evident with his results. While with Judiciary of Guam, he coordinated and facilitated efforts in planning and security for the 12th Festival of Pacific Arts in Guam for 27 satellite venue sites in May-June 2016. This special event had an enormous collaboration of efforts amongst other local and federal agencies for a cohesive accomplishment in the safety and welfare throughout this historical event.

Deputy Camacho is also serving as an enlisted military member with the United States Coast Guard reserve as a Second Class Petty Officer Machinery Technician, assigned to the small boat operations Station Apra Harbor Guam with the responsibilities as a maritime safety & security for the port and coastal waterways of Guam. In his career in the US Coast Guard, he was the Sailor of the Quarter in 2015 and Reserve Petty Officer of the Year in 2016.

Camacho married with three children most heartily enjoys his time with family, to include the outdoors from long range shooting, hunting, and offroad recreational activities.

26 | 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam

Justin B. Castro Accountant I Financial Affairs Division Guam Department of Education

Justin B. Castro is an accountant for the Financial Affairs Division of the Guam Department of Education (GDOE). As an accountant, Justin is responsible for all cash disbursement functions, monthly financial statement preparation, and the monitoring and analysis of utility consumption of all school districts and divisions of GDOE. He is also a fiscal member of the Education Financial Supervisory Commission (EFSC).

Justin holds the professional designation of Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). He received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Economics from the University of Guam in 2015. He was active in multiple student organizations while pursuing his degrees. During his final semesters at UOG, he was the Vice President of Finance for the American Marketing Association - UOG Collegiate Chapter, Vice President of Publicities for the Junior Accounting Society, and Vice President of Activities for the Student Investment Club. In 2014, Justin was part of the UOG team that ranked 11th place in the Inter-Collegiate Finance Competition hosted by the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines.

He also presented in the 2014 International Conference on Business, Economics and Information Technology (ICBEIT) in Taipei, Taiwan.

Justin is an active member of the Association of Government Accountants.

He is currently serving as the Awards Committee chair (2019-2021) and Historian (2020-2021). He previously served as the Secretary (2018-2019) and assists in sub-committees such as the chapter’s annual 5K run. In 2018, he was awarded the AGA National Young Professional PDT Scholarship.

Justin is also a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

27 | 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam

Ana S.M. Cornwell Law Clerk Superior Court of Guam Judiciary of Guam

Ana S.M. Cornwell currently serves the Superior Court of Guam as a law clerk for the Honorable Vernon P. Perez. As a law clerk, she performs a wide range of tasks, which include researching legal issues; drafting memoranda, decision and orders, findings of fact and conclusions of law; assisting with courtroom proceedings, criminal jury trials, civil and domestic bench trials; managing Judge Perez’s criminal and civil case dockets; and training new Superior Court law clerks. Ana frequently participates in career day and school outreach activities; she has given presentations to elementary and middle school students on various legal topics and coached high school mock trial.

Ana graduated from St. John’s School in 2005 and attended the University of Guam, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a minor in English in 2009. At UOG, Ana was a teaching assistant for the Sociology Department, President of Triton’s Society, a Regent Scholar, and part of a core group of students who, as the result of the 2007 Bali field school, produced a film entitled “Casting Our Net: Rediscovering Community in the 21st Century,” which has been screened locally and internationally.

After graduation, Ana traveled to Haifa, Israel as a religious volunteer for the Bahá’í Faith for eighteen months. Upon her return to Guam, Ana taught writing and communication courses as an adjunct professor at Guam Community College as part of the Adult High School Education Program.

Ana received her Juris Doctor degree in 2015 from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and graduated with a certificate in Environmental Law. While in law school, she was a technical editor for the University of Hawaii Law Review and a board member for Law for Youth Empowerment, which facilitated and developed legal empowerment and education classes at the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility and Detention Home. Ana spent her last semester of law school on Guam externing for the Public Defender Service Corporation and began working at the Superior Court of Guam in the fall of 2015.

Ana is licensed to practice law on Guam.

28 | 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam

Henry M. Cruz Procurement Administrator A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam

Henry M. Cruz is the Procurement Administrator at the Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA). Henry began his career in public service fairly recently, joining GIAA in August 2016 as a Business Management Analyst. Since joining the airport organization, Henry has proven to be a versatile, evolving team contributor within the autonomous agency. In a span of three (3) years, Henry was promoted to Management Analyst III, Buyer Supervisor, Supervisor of the GIAA Procurement Section and most recently to his current role as Procurement Administrator of GIAA. As the Procurement Administrator, Henry oversees all agency contract facilitation, procurement and supply distribution programs, competitive sealed solicitations, warehouse and asset management programs and vendor/contractor relations, while also serving as GIAA’s chief procurement and contract internal advisor to the airport’s executive management.

Prior to his tenure at the airport, Henry built his career in the private sector, obtaining invaluable project management skillsets and managerial experience via roles such as Operations Marine Coordinator at Matson Navigation Guam, Brand Partnerships Manager at Zappos, Inc. and Director of Marketing at Lotte Duty Free.

In 2015, Henry was featured on the Guam Business Magazine’s “40 under Forty” list, recognizing the most innovative and influential businesspeople in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands under the age of 40. Since transitioning to the public sector in 2016, Henry has received the following notable distinctions: 2016 Executive Manager’s Award, 2017 Employee of the Year Award, 2019 Supervisor of the Year Award, and a finalist for the Airport Council International’s renowned Young Airport Executive Award. He also obtained the highest Certificate of Enrichment (Administration) for his successful completion of all four (4) procurement training modules in GCC’s Procurement Program.

Henry obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2009 from the University of Nevada – Las Vegas where he graduated cum laude. He is also a proud alumnus of Father Duenas Memorial School, graduating in the top ten of his class of 2004.

Henry is the son of Catherine M. Cruz and Henry M. Cruz, Sr. of Maina. He attributes his work ethic and commitment to continually progress in his evolving career to his parents, his grandfather, Lorenzo C. Cruz, his sister, Nicole A. Cruz, and his partner, attorney Vanessa L. Williams, Esq. In his free time, Henry is an avid golfer and active member of the local golfing community. He is a Board Member of the Hui Aikane Golf Club and President and Founding Member of the BackNine Golf Club.

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Jose Salas Cruz, Jr. Budget and Management Analyst Bureau of Budget and Management Research

Jose Salas Cruz, Jr. is currently a Budget and Management Analyst with the Bureau of Budget and Management Research. As a Budget Analyst since 2017, Jose’s primary duties are focused on various Law Enforcement entities. In an era of declining revenues, Jose is instrumental in ensuring that said entities remain fiscally responsible. He makes certain that policies and mandates are followed so that these Agencies/Departments can maintain their mission within the confines of their budget allocation.

Prior to him assuming his current position, Jose was employed with the Department of Corrections. As a Corrections Officer, Jose had to constantly adapt to various high-stress situations. He utilized critical thinking skills to overcome obstacles that tested his integrity. Meeting the organization’s overall mission objectives was tantamount to being a successful DOC Officer.

During his tenure at the Department of Corrections, Jose was appointed as the Residential Substance Abuse Program Manager. He was instrumental in assisting over 100 incarcerated individuals with the successful completion of the Program. His encouragement of these individuals helped to prepare them for release and to ultimately become productive members of our Island society Jose is product of our Island public education system. He is a proud 2007 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School. After graduating from high school, Jose went on to further his education by attending the University of Guam. In 2009, Jose received undergraduate Degrees, with honors – Magna Cum Laude, in Criminal Justice and Public Administration. He then pursued and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in December 2010.

Despite a hectic and accelerated level of study while at UOG, Jose remained active in serving his school and community. Jose has served as a Vice President of the University of Guam Public Administration and Legal Studies Society and as a District Representative in the 27th Guam Youth Congress. He was also a recipient of the University of Guam’s Regent Scholarship, as well as the President and Deans List. In 2009, Jose was inducted as a member into the Phi Theta Kappa, which is a prestigious international honor society. Further, he was named a 2009 Harry S. Truman Scholar. As a Truman Scholar, Jose interned with the Corporation for National and Community Service in Washington, D.C. While there he was able to engage in efforts dedicated to the betterment of the nation by assisting in the startup of then President Obama’s “United We Serve” Initiative, which promoted community volunteer participation. He successfully helped coordinate and oversee 560 volunteers for the 2009 National Volunteer Conference that serviced 4,000 conference participants.

30 | 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam

Aside from his civilian occupation, Jose also serves our Island and Nation as a member of the United States Air Force Reserve assigned to the 624 Aerospace Medicine Flight. Jose firmly believes that the call to serve our Country and our Island is the highest form of service one can strive to achieve. While serving our Island, Jose received his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Service Management from the Community College of the Air Force in 2018. Jose truly believes that one’s upbringing shapes one’s values. Humility, selflessness, and perseverance are such traits Jose learned early on. These core values have formed to make Jose the person he is today. They have helped him to develop a passion for helping others and striving to make a difference in our Community.

In line with his other passions, his civic callings include being a past affiliate with the Rotaract Club of the Marianas where he served as the Treasurer.

He currently serves on various committees with Coast360 Federal Credit Union.

This avid fan of the Seattle Seahawks is happily married to his beautiful wife Samantha. They have three sons, Skyler James, Mason Scott, and Emmett Cole.

31 | 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam

Rachel F. Cubacub Associate Budget and Administrative Process Officer Administration & Finance University of Guam

Rachel F. Cubacub is currently the Associate Budget Administrative Process Officer at the University of Guam where she is responsible for leading financial planning efforts through the development and preparation of annual budgets for general operations, auxiliary, and non-appropriated funds. She has been instrumental in shaping the University's Para Hulo strategic plan, specifically creating goals and objectives for growing university resources. She first joined UOG in 2014.

Prior to joining UOG, Rachel worked at the Office of Public Accountability as an auditor from 2009 through 2014. As an auditor, Rachel performed financial, operational, and compliance examinations and evaluations of varied programs within the Government of Guam.

Rachel received her Professional Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Guam in 2014. She graduated from the University of Guam with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting in 2009. While pursuing her degree, she was involved in the Junior Accountants Society. Rachel graduated as valedictorian from St. Paul Christian School in 2005 and served as Student Body Association President.

Rachel is an active member of the Association of Government Accountants since 2009 and has served in various leadership roles as Immediate Past President (2015-2016), President (2014-2015), President-Elect (20132014), and Secretary (2010-2011). In September 2014, Rachel was awarded the "Emerging Leader Award" by the Guam Chapter. She has also been part of several executive committees and sub-committees, including the Guam Professional Development Conference sub-committee and the annual 5K run sub-committee.

Alongside her involvement in the accounting profession, Rachel is also active in her home church where she plays piano during worship services since 2003. She has also held leadership roles in its youth and young adult group from 2004-2013.

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Edlyn M. Dalisay General Accounting Supervisor Guam Memorial Hospital Authority

Edlyn Dalisay is a U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Government Financial Manager.

Her first government job was at the Office of Public Accountability (OPA).

She started as an Auditor I in 2016 and left in 2019 as an Accountability Auditor III. At OPA, she conducted performance audits of several agencies and oversaw government-wide financial audits. After OPA, she took the Risk Officer job at the University of Guam. She established the University’s Internal Audit Charter and performed a couple of audits. She is currently at Guam Memorial Hospital Authority as the General Accounting Supervisor.

Prior to moving to Guam, Edlyn worked with the largest audit firm in the Philippines, where she audited several companies representing various industries, such as higher education, manufacturing, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, and service and business process outsourcing, among others.

She has also served as Finance Head for private companies in the Philippines and Guam from 2012 to 2015.

Edlyn earned her Bachelor of Accountancy at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila) in 2006. In the same year, she obtained her Philippine CPA license. She was a two-term (2015-2019) Treasurer of the Aklan Association of Guam, one of the Filipino associations in Guam.

Outside of her professional career, Edlyn enjoys teaching children at their church. She leads the Children Ministry and sometimes facilitates women's group fellowship. Edlyn is married to Francis Dalisay, a professor in journalism, communication, and digital technologies at the University of Guam.

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Chloé G. R. Dydasco Teacher IV Southern High School Guam Department of Education

Chloé was born and raised on Guam, and is from the beautiful village of Santa Rita. She attended southern public elementary and middle schools, and graduated from Academy of Our Lady of Guam in 2009. She attended the University of Guam under full scholarship with the Yamashita Education Corp, and graduated with honors in 2013 with a BAED in Secondary Science, minoring in Biology and Music. She also earned her M.Ed. in Secondary Education in STEM Principles in 2015. Chloé has worked and trained under the Guam Department of Education, and taught middle school Earth and Physical Science for 4.5 years, and 1 year of high school music.

As a teacher, she mentored and was an advisor to students in numerous clubs and organizations including NJHS, Science Club, Music Club, WAVE Club, and various school sports teams. This fall, Chloé will begin her Ph.D. program studying Educational Psychology under full scholarship at Washington State University, and plans to return to Guam and give back to the island upon completion of her degree. Aside from Education and science, some of Chloé’s passions and hobbies include baking, singing and playing piano, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reading, exercise, and spending time with close family, friends, and her dog, King Louis. Her parents are David and Martha Dydasco of Santa Rita.

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Sarah Elmore-Hernandez Chief of Staff Senator Mary Camacho Torres Guam Legislature

Sarah G. Elmore-Hernandez is the Chief of Staff to Senator Mary Camacho Torres in the 35th Guam Legislature. As COS, Sarah oversees the Senator’s policy agenda and media strategy and serves as principal adviser and liaison for all legislative activity.

Prior to this role, Sarah was Director of the Committee on Appropriations and Adjudication under the Office of Speaker Benjamin J.F. Cruz where she managed the progression of policies under the committee’s jurisdiction and coordinated the office’s press relations. Upon the Speaker’s retirement, she became Chief of Staff to Legislative Secretary and Committee on Rules Chair Senator Régine Biscoe Lee. Sarah graduated with honors from the University of Colorado Denver, where she received both her Bachelor of Arts (2008-2011) and Master of Arts (2011-2013) in Political Science. Her master’s thesis on sustaining social movements in Guam was selected and published in CU Denver's academic journal for outstanding student work in 2013.

Sarah is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Alaska Fairbanks following her acceptance into the Interdisciplinary Studies division in partnership with the University of Guam in early 2019. Her dissertation prospectus, which was approved by the UAF INDS Council, is focused on the election and substantive representation of women in Guam.

Sarah has served as the National Committeewoman of the Young Democrats of Guam as well as Vice President for the American Association of University Women-Guam Chapter. She is an alumna of the 2018 Legislative Staff Management Institute, a competitive national legislative leadership program held by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy, and California State University Sacramento Center for California Studies. She is also a member of the NCSL Research, Editorial, Legal and Committee Staff Association and the Legislative Employees Association.

Due to her leadership, Sarah was appointed in 2020 by the AAUW Executive Office to serve on its national public policy committee, a special advisory board of 7 individuals that advise the organization on its nationwide public policy priorities. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the Guam Girl Scouts organization.

Sarah is married to Artemio "Ricky" Aguon Hernandez, Ph.D. and is the proud mother of a 16-pound shih apso named Unai.

35 | 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam

Charles V. Esteves Administrator Office of Civil Defense

Charles Esteves is currently the Administrator for the Office of Civil Defense and has been working as the island’s State Emergency Management Director since 2015. Prior to starting his career with the Government of Guam, he was a Federal employee with the National Guard Technician Program and served in the education and training.

As the Administrator, he is responsible for coordinating the activities of all organizations as it relates to the protection of Guam and its people from disasters, natural and manmade, and during emergency events. In 2019, Esteves was appointed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Advisory Council and provides advice to the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management.

Esteves started his career as a Soldier with the Guam Army National Guard. He enlisted at the age of 17 as an Intelligence Analyst. After completing Officer Candidate School in 2007, he commissioned as an Infantry Officer. During his military career, he has completed three combat tours: one in the Horn of Africa and two tours in Afghanistan. His top awards and decorations include two Bronze Star Medals and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He has over 20 years in service and currently holds the rank of Major.

Since 2016, Esteves has been working as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Guam’s School of Business and Public Administration’s Masters of Public Administration (MPA) program. During his time with the program, he assisted the Chair with the development of a 1-year MPA program focused on emergency management and domestic operations.

Esteves is a 2001 graduate from Southern High School. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Economics from the University of Guam and subsequently completed his Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies from American Military University. He is currently completing his dissertation and is expected to graduate with his doctorate in business administration by the end of 2020. He is a graduate of the Naval Post Graduate School - Center for Homeland Defense and Security’s Executive Leaders Program and Pacific Executive Leader’s Program.

Esteves holds the Certified Manager credential from the Institute of Certified Professional Managers and passed the examination for the Certified Emergency Manager credential from the International Association of Emergency Managers.

Esteves is the Region 9 Vice-President for the National Emergency Management Agency. He is also the Vice-President Army for the National Guard Association of Guam where he is a lifetime member and is a lifetime member of the National Guard Association of the United States. He is also a member of the following organizations: Golden Key International Honour Society, Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences, Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society, Epsilon Pi Phi Honor Society and Guam Young Professionals.

Esteves loves spending time with his daughters Lana and Nevaeh playing video games, watching movies, and singing.

36 | 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam

Christine Fejeran Forestry Chief, Wildland Fire Investigator Forestry and Soil Resources Division Department of Agriculture

Christine Camacho Fejeran was raised on family property in Yigo and received her bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University in Wildlife & Fisheries Science with a minor in Environmental Resource Management. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program at the University of Guam and was certified as a Wildland Fire Investigator, March 2020. Christine recently accepted the position of Forestry and Soil Resources Division Chief for the Guam Department of Agriculture and was the Acting Chief since February 29, 2020.

Christine’s previous work experience included that of a wildlife biologist in Hawaii monitoring endangered waterbird breeding and non-breeding seasons. Upon leaving Hawaii, Christine moved to Beaufort, South Carolina where she was a Deputy Sheriff for the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Christine graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and was a deputy up until returning home to Guam in 2011. As a Sheriff’s Deputy, Christine responded to a variety of call types immersing her in all aspects of community; the good, bad and the ugly. The rewards were great. Christine learned what it took to communicate with individuals coming from all walks of life, and found communication and respect to the be the common links to success regardless of where one came from.

She was proud to be a law enforcement officer. Christine also responded to numerous animal control calls and was responsible for successfully prosecuting cruelty cases brought to court. Upon returning to Guam, Christine served as a Board Member for the Guam Animals in Need (GAIN) for half a term. She is currently an active community member who continues to support environmental outreach and a huge supporter of spay/neuter programs.

Christine has been employed by the Government of Guam for nine years and continues to take pride and joy in her work and her colleagues. Christine’s Government of Guam resume includes being a Watershed Coordinator and Planner III for the Bureau of Statistics and Plans, Guam Coastal Management Program (BSP-GCMP). In 2014, Christine received the Guam Fire Department’s “Citizens Award for Exceptional Service” for her coordinated efforts and support for the Fire Department and fire awareness efforts within the community. Christine was also awarded a “Leadership Award” by the Western Pacific Islands Association of Fire Chiefs in 2019. Christine recognizes that awards and honors would not have been possible if not for her work and support of her team and various partners. It has been a privilege for Christine to proudly represent the Government of Guam, natural resource agencies and partners in their combined commitment to the community and protection of our island’s natural resources through effective outreach. Fostering community awareness, natural resource stewards, and a community proud to call Guam home, have been Christine’s driving goals.

As the Acting Forestry and Soil Resources Division Chief for the Department of Agriculture, Christine charged forward through the onset of COVID-19 making leadership and management decisions to ensure the safety of her team, community, and natural resources. In addition to Christine’s Acting Chief capacity,

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she is responsible for managing Forestry’s Cooperative Fire Protection Program (wildland fire program) – “Munga masongge Guåhan, Don’t burn Guam!” Christine’s efforts to enhance and augment Forestry’s outreach presence, includes working toward building a more aware and fire-wise community for Guam.

In her role as Forestry’s Cooperative Fire Program Manager, she supervised and provided technical assistance for the first place-based fire curriculum developed for Guam and Micronesia. She worked closely with GDOE teachers who developed the curriculum for students K – 12th grade. The curriculum will provide educators and students with place-based education focused on wildfire and wildfire effects across the islands. Through Christine’s innovative and ever-evolving ideas, wildfire prevention and education grew beyond the platform of the VHS and classroom presentations. The new approaches used

by Guam Forestry for outreach and education engages teachers and students across GDOE, private schools and the homeschool community of Guam with outdoor classroom experiences. Most program managers would stop there, but Christine saw more opportunities for innovation and creativity. With the collaborative efforts of AmeriCorps Guam members and the Serve Guam Commission, Christine’s efforts included the launching of a smart application called ‘Agents of Discovery,’ a virtual tour through one of Guam’s iconic urban parks to bring community members and tourists to our shared green spaces. To further augment outreach efforts, Christine’s efforts included the launching of Guam’s first, ‘Smokey Bear Education and Outreach Mobile.’ The trailer is a box trailer retrofitted to carry games, lessons, and sensory activities focused on Guam’s forestry and natural resources. Essentially bringing forestry lessons to you, the community.

The first week of March 2020, right before the COVID-19 Government shutdown, Christine wrapped up Guam’s first international Wildfire Investigation Training and Workshop. Christine’s planning and coordination efforts resulted in the successful completion and graduation of 28 students from the Guam Fire Department, Navy and Air Force Fire Departments, the Guam Police Department, the Guam Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Section and Forestry Division. A proud moment at the onset of the training was advising participants that they were not only being taught by a cadre from Australia and Canada, but by the very authors of the textbooks used to train all wildland fire investigators across both national and international waters.

Christine recognizes that her successes are greatly attributed to her supportive husband, Eric C. Fejeran, her family and outstanding team. Christine believes that as a servant of the community, it is our duty to move forward with integrity, respect, and honor, to ensure we provide the very best for our people and island.

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Nico A. C. Fujikawa Director of Tourism Research Guam Visitors Bureau

Nico Anthony Calvo Fujikawa is a homegrown son of Guam with a passion for family, music, and improving our island. He is the son of Jesse and Sophia Fujikawa. Growing up in the village of Agana Heights, Nico is the product of St. Francis School and Notre Dame High School.

After graduating from Notre Dame in 2007, he began working in hospitality as a server at Lonestar Steakhouse while pursuing his undergraduate degree.

In 2012, Nico earned his Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in Finance and Economics from the University of Guam.

Staying very close to the visitor industry, he started his post college career as a Financial Analyst for DFS Guam. By 2013, Nico progressed into public service joining the Guam Economic Development Authority as a Financial Analyst working under the Public Finance division.

While at GEDA, he decided to pursue his entrepreneurial passion, becoming the president and majority stakeholder of Livehouse Inc., an entertainment establishment that promoted local musicians and talent to visitors and residents. He served as the corporation’s president from 2013-2015.

Bridging his passion between the public and private sectors, Nico joined the Guam Visitors Bureau in September 2016 as a Senior Tourism Research Analyst. He quickly rose to his current role as the Director of Tourism Research, leading initiatives to help modernize the bureau.

When he is not engaged in the visitor industry, he is a singer, songwriter, musician and family man. He and his college sweetheart Maryanne Riaño are the proud parents to their beautiful children, Knox and Margot. Nico’s dedication to making Guam a better place to live, work and visit is rooted in his desire to create a better future for his children!

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Rodalyn May A. Gerardo Chief Auditor Guam Memorial Hospital Authority

Rodalyn May A. Gerardo serves as the Chief Auditor at our island’s only public hospital, the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) since March 2019. As the head of the Internal Audit Office, Rodalyn provides independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve GMHA’s operations.

Rodalyn began her audit career in 2002 as one of the Office of Public Accountability’s (OPA) first interns while completing her last semester at the University of Guam (UOG). OPA hired her as a staff auditor in January 2003 and she successfully climbed OPA’s ranks from Auditor I, Auditor II, Auditor III, Chief Auditor / Audit Supervisor, and Special Assistant / Audit Supervisor. Rodalyn was with the OPA for over 15 years and was the second most senior member of OPA’s management team.

Rodalyn was instrumental in formulating and shaping OPA into the reputable audit organization that it is today. She has supervised numerous audits as well as provided guidance to her audit teams, resulting in the issuance of quality audits in compliance with Government Auditing Standards.

Rodalyn’s interest in technology earned her a role as one of OPA’s TeamMate champions, and she was instrumental in the successful implementation of the automated audit management software in 2015.

Rodalyn diligently worked on revamping OPA’s performance audit templates and successfully deployed the new TeamMate templates by October 2017, ahead of schedule. She also oversaw OPA’s Information Technology and Legislative Mandates committees.

Rodalyn holds six professional designations: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), and Certified Internal Control Auditor (CICA).

She is a member of the Association of Government Accountants (AGA), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Guam Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA), and Institute for Internal Controls (IIC).

Rodalyn has served in several leadership positions in the Association of Government Accountants (AGA), from Treasurer, President-Elect, and President, to Education Committee chairperson and co-chairperson of various subcommittees. Under her leadership, the Guam Chapter was

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awarded the coveted Chapter Platinum Award while she was President and the Education Award while she was Education Director.

Since 2008, she has served as the chairperson of the Guam Chapter’s biennial Guam Professional Development Conference (GPDC). Rodalyn has also served as a Regional Vice President for the Pacific Rim and as a member of the AGA National Nominating Committee. She continues to serve as the chapter’s Education Committee Director and GPDC Chairperson for program year 2020-2021.

In late 2015, Rodalyn was selected as one of just 38 young CPAs nationwide to attend the 7th AICPA Leadership Academy in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Leadership Academy is an exclusive group of rising stars in the accounting profession, all under age 36, and selected from more than 100 candidates recommended by their employers, state societies of CPAs, etc.

In 2016, Rodalyn attended the Leadership Challenge Workshop in Orlando, Florida and was certified to facilitate the program.

Rodalyn’s expertise has also been recognized regionally and internationally, as she represented Guam OPA and the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) region as a resource person on the INTOSAI Development Initiative’s Supreme Audit Institutions Engaging with Stakeholders Program in Entebbe, Uganda and Pretoria, South Africa in 2018. Rodalyn recently served as a resource person in the two-week virtual Engaging with Stakeholders Lessons Learnt Workshop via Microsoft Teams in July 2020.

Rodalyn is a 2019 alumna of the prestigious Executive Leadership Development Program sponsored by a grant from the Department of Interior, Office of Insular Affairs and administered by the Graduate School USA's Pacific Islands Training Initiative.

Rodalyn received a four-year, full-tuition Guam Women’s Club scholarship for her undergraduate studies at UOG. She then graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting degree in December 2002. Rodalyn attained her Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Mississippi College in December 2019.

Rodalyn is the eldest of four children and the only daughter of Roger and Soledad Gerardo. The pride, joy, motivation, and loves of her life are her two children, son Theone Jay and daughter Gabriella May.

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Emma Ford Gillan Judicial Therapist Client Services and Family Counseling Division Judiciary of Guam

Emma Gillan, M.S., LPC, is currently in her seventh year of employment at the Client Services and Family Counseling Division of the Judiciary of Guam.

While this is one of the lesser-known units of the Court, it is a key community resource as it provides guidance for positive change in the lives of individuals who come in contact with the judicial system due to dire and often life-threatening circumstances. The overall mission of this service is, “to provide clinical services in support of the judicial process; to promote community activities that enhance a reasonable quality of life; to advance partnerships of equality, respect and peace among all people; and to foster social change.” As a Judicial Therapist, providing clinical treatment, creating treatment plans and making clinical recommendations to a judge summarizes Emma’s role in support of this mission.

Emma graduated from AOLG in 2005 where her initial foundation was acquired in academics as well as in leadership, community service, collaboration, and teamwork. She earned her baccalaureate degree in psychology, graduating Summa Cum Laude, from Chaminade University in 2008. She then moved to the mainland and expanded her work experience and life exploration. Living stateside further solidified her love of Guam and determination to return to contribute to her home community. Upon her return to the island, she was accepted into the University of Guam’s graduate program in Clinical Psychology, earning her Master of Science degree in 2013. Emma’s academic training there included over 1,100 clinical practicum hours in a broad range of community settings including Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC), and Department of Youth Affairs. Concurrently, she completed a one-year fellowship in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program facilitated by University of Hawaii John A. Burns Medical School in collaboration with UOG CEDDERS. Her work experience as an Individual, Marriage, and Family Therapist Intern, Behavioral Analyst at GBHWC, teaching an Advanced Placement in Psychology course at AOLG, and as a Program Assistant at I Pinangon Campus Suicide Prevention Program at UOG have further strengthened her professional skills set.

Emma is currently the President and Public Relations Committee Chair of the Association of Individual, Marriage, and Family Therapists, positions she has held since January 2017. She has represented the organization on Guam’s Sexual Assault Coalition and has organized and facilitated conferences, professional trainings, roundtable discussions as well as fundraisers to fund small emergency grants to eligible individuals in crisis situations and scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students attending UOG and GCC programs in human services, social work, counseling, and clinical psychology.

Emma is an accomplished multi-sport athlete who excelled in soccer, basketball, rugby, and volleyball. Her main post-high school sports focus has been as a member of the Haggan Volleyball Club and in representing Guam as a member of the Women’s Gold Medal Volleyball Teams in the 2006 Micronesian Games in Saipan and 2014 Micronesian Games, in Pohnpei, where she also served as team captain. In addition, she represented the island in Women’s Volleyball at the 2013 East Asian Games, China. More recently, she has become a student of jiu-jitsu.

Emma’s most exciting adventure and joy is raising Atisa, her high-spirited two-year old toddler, and Atisa’s 10-year sister, Calla, with Wayne Matanane and her strong family network. They reside in a family neighborhood, making Atisa a seventh-generation taotao Maga’, Mangilao.

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Joseph Blas Gumataotao, J.D. Chief Human Resources Officer University of Guam

Joseph Blas Gumataotao currently serves as the acting Chief Human Resources Officer for the University of Guam. He joined the UOG’s academic personnel in 2016 as its first Director of Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX/ADA Coordinator. Before joining UOG, Gumataotao was in private practice as an attorney licensed to practice law on Guam.

A 2000 graduate of Father Duenas Memorial School, Gumataotao went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Communications with special emphasis in public relations and a minor in Political Science from the University of Guam, graduating with honors in 2004. At UOG, Gumataotao was recognized on numerous occasions in the National Dean’s List, the President’s List, the National Political Science Honor Society, and Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges & Universities.

Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Gumataotao began his government service with the Guam Legislature. He served as a Policy Research Analyst for former Senator Lou A. Leon Guerrero and the late Speaker Vicente “ben” C. Pangelinan. Helping constituents on a daily basis and his direct involvement with the formation of public policy were the impetus to pursue a legal education.

In 2008, Gumataotao left Guam to attend Ave Maria School of Law in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While in law school, Gumataotao was part of the inaugural Mediation Clinic and became certified as a county court mediator by the Supreme Court of Florida. Gumataotao also served as an Honor Board Member, nominated by his class and approved by the President and Dean. Gumataotao was elected Student Bar Association Senator and Vice President of the St. Thomas More Society, among other active involvement with student organizations. In 2011, he was conferred his Juris Doctorate and became the first person from Guam and of Chamoru descent to graduate from Ave Maria School of Law. After law school, Gumataotao returned home to accept a judicial clerkship with the Honorable Anita A. Sukola. Over the course of his clerkship, he has participated in over thirty criminal jury trials and various civil and domestic bench trials, drafted numerous decision and orders, along with findings of fact and conclusions of law, and researched many substantive and procedural issues coming before the court. In 2013, Gumataotao was awarded the Employees’ Choice Award for Judges Chambers as part of the Judiciary of Guam’s Employee Recognition Program. Gumataotao is an active member of the Guam Bar Association, licensed to practice law on Guam. Gumataotao regularly volunteers with career day and law week activities. He has been invited to speak to our children from elementary to high school on various topics, which he takes great delight in.

Outside of work, Gumataotao is active with the Catholic Church. He is a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. In 2012, he was the youngest member to become invested with the inaugural Guam delegation. He currently serves as a council member for the Order, a position approved by the Grand Cardinal in Rome. Gumataotao is the son of government of Guam retirees who have instilled in him the value of public service.

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Artemio “Ricky” Hernandez, Ph.D., CGFM Deputy Executive Manager A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam

Artemio Ricardo “Ricky” Aguon Hernandez, Ph.D. is the Deputy Executive Manager of the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) where he oversees each of the divisions of the agency. He is also an Adjunct Instructor of Accounting and Public Administration at the University of Guam (UOG), having taught since January 2014. Dr. Hernandez was also elected in 2019 as the Active Member Trustee of the Government of Guam Retirement Fund Board of Trustees where he was selected by the Trustees as its Treasurer and was appointed by the Chairman as the Investment Committee Chairperson. In addition, Dr. Hernandez sits on the Research Corporation of the University of Guam Board of Directors as one of its longest serving members, having been appointed for two consecutive three-year terms by former UOG President, Dr. Robert A. Underwood and an additional three-year term by current UOG President Thomas W. Krise.

Dr. Hernandez was previously the Deputy Administrator of the Guam Economic Development Authority from January 2019 through July 2020 and was concurrently appointed as the Interim Deputy Director of the Department of Public Works from February to April 2019. Initially appointed by the late Senator Vicente “ben” Cabrera Pangelinan and further appointed by Speaker Benjamin J. F. Cruz, Dr. Hernandez was also the youngest and longest serving Director of the Guam Legislature Office of Finance and Budget (OFB). He had been with the OFB from August 2010 to January 2019 – spanning nearly four (4) legislative terms. As OFB Director, Dr. Hernandez served as Vice Chairperson of the Guam Department of Education Financial Supervisory Commission, Member of the Special Economic Service, and Chairperson of the Special Accounting Service.

Dr. Hernandez is a proud alumnus of Father Duenas Memorial School having graduated in 2004. He subsequently attended the University of Guam as a government of Guam Merit Scholar and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 2007. Upon graduation, he moved to Honolulu, Hawaii where he attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and obtained his Master of Accounting in 2009. While in Hawaii, Dr. Hernandez worked as a full-time auditor with Wikoff Combs & Co., LLC, a full-service Hawaii-based CPA firm for over two (2) years. He was also selected to attend the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and received the AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students. He earned his Ph.D. in Business from Capella University in 2019. He is also a Certified Government Financial Manager and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary.

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As a dedicated member of the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) Guam Chapter, Dr. Hernandez served in multiple positions including his initial role as the Early Careers Committee Chairperson during Program Years 2011 through 2012 where he developed the inaugural “Building Bridges Mixer” in 2011 held at the UOG. He was awarded the inaugural AGA Guam Chapter Emerging Leader Award in 2012. He also served as the Guam Chapter’s Webmaster, Newsletter Editor, Director of Communications, and eventually its President in 2015 during the AGA Guam Chapter’s 45th Anniversary where he was included in the Who’s Who in the Government of Guam 40 Years and Under Publication. As President, he served on the inaugural Guam Board of Accountancy Standing Committee overseeing the Senator Herminia Dierking and John Phillips Visiting Accounting Professor and Lecturer Program. He continues to be a consistent member of the Herminia Dierking and AGA Guam Chapter Scholarship Committee. Dr. Hernandez was also Guam’s first AGA National Council of Chapters Representative and held the position of Regional Vice President-elect for the Pacific Rim Region. He was also awarded the prestigious AGA National Emerging Leader Award of Excellence in 2020 and the AGA National Academic Full-time Scholarship for Graduate Students for four consecutive years.

In 2018, Dr. Hernandez was selected and graduated from the prestigious Council of State Governments Henry Toll Fellowship Program. He is also an alumnus of the 2015 National Council of State Legislatures, University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy, and California State University Sacramento Center for California Studies’ Legislative Staff Management Institute and the 2013 Department of the Interior Office of Insular Affairs and Graduate School USA Executive Leadership Development Program.

Dr. Hernandez is happily married to Sarah G. Elmore-Hernandez where they live with their shih-tzu/lhasa apso dog named Unai. He is the son of William L. Hernandez and Bernadita Aguon-Hernandez.

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Andrew H. Lee

Firefighter I Search and Rescue Bureau Guam Fire Department

Firefighter I Andrew Lee serves in the Search and Rescue Bureau of the Guam Fire Department. Lee was born and raised in Anigua, Guam and is a graduate of John F. Kennedy High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June 1999 and served with the First Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraq Freedom, Lee completed multiple deployments in Asia and the Middle East. Throughout the course of his service, Lee received multiple awards and commendations.

In June 2005, Lee served as an operations specialist with McNeil Technologies (Springfield, VA) and subsequently served as Operations Center Director for Dyncorp International and GLS (Falls Church, VA). In July 2009, Lee returned home to Guam and continued his work as a consultant in the private sector.

Lee was selected as the guidon for GFD’s 20th Fire Cycle in 2013.

Following service in the Fire suppression and EMS bureau, Lee joined GFD’s Search and Rescue bureau in 2014 and has been instrumental in the development and execution of training standards for GFD’s Rescue units.

Lee received GFD’s Lifesaving award in both 2018 and 2019, as well as a Meritorious Award for service in 2018. Among his various pro-board certifications, Lee also completed emergency response dive instructor certification (Philippines) and technical rope rescue technician certification (Oakdale, CA).

When off-duty, Lee shares his skill and training with our community as a volunteer with the Guam Waterman’s Club and Guåhan Napu, promoting water safety and the protection of our land and water resources. Lee is also a Coach with the Manhoben Swim Club and an advocate for the Guam Swimming Federation. Lee coached the Guam National Team in surfing at the 2012 Pacific Games in New Caledonia and continues to coach and train local and international athletes in developing water confidence, condition and skill. Lee is currently pursuing his degree in Fire science and Emergency management with Purdue University. Lee is the son of Jong Hwa & Choon Yi Lee and is married to Senator Régine Biscoe Lee. They live on Guam with their daughters, Mia and Nina and their dog, Padfoot B. Lee.

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Régine Biscoe Lee Senator Guam Legislature

Régine Biscoe Lee is a Communications/Marketing professional, public servant and community advocate. Lee currently serves as Senator in the 35th Guam Legislature and is dedicated to helping people author their own opportunities, proving that nothing can widen the circle of economic opportunity more than a community focused on practical skills, education, and the entrepreneurial wonder of a clean environment. As the chair of the Committee on Rules, she works with the body to keep the trains running on time, bringing Guam and our region to a better place. Her work over the last two terms has strengthened our island's workforce, supported local business and protected our environment.

In 2009, Lee was named one of the "100 Most Influential Women in the U.S." by the Filipina Women's Network for her work on behalf of WWII Filipino Veterans. In January 2015, she was named the Guam Chamber of Commerce's Young Professional of the Year. Lee was elected delegate for Guam to the 2012, 2016 & 2020 Democratic National Conventions. In 2019, the Obama Foundation selected Lee for the inaugural cohort of the Obama Leaders: Asia-Pacific, a leadership development and community engagement program that seeks to inspire, empower, and connect emerging leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region.

After years of education and policy work in the U.S., she returned home to use her experience to benefit the people of Guam in 2009. In the decade since returning, she has served as Policy Advisor for Congresswoman Bordallo (D-Gu) and Chief of Staff for Senator Barnes, as well as a consultant to local and federal government agencies and local businesses.

Senator Lee currently serves as the Vice-Chair on the Commission on Decolonization, National Committeewoman for the Democratic Party of Guam and as a Board Member for the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL) and the Manenggon Memorial Foundation. She has served as a board member and volunteer for various non-profit and civic organizations including Sanctuary, Incorporated of Guam, Soroptimist International of Guam, Asian American Action Fund, Guam Young Professionals and the Micronesian Conservation Coalition. Régine is a graduate of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam and the University of Washington. She & her husband, Andy reside on Guam with their daughters, Mia & Nina and their dog, Padfoot B. Lee.

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Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero Managing Editor University of Guam Press

Victoria-Lola M. Leon Guerrero is the Managing Editor of the University of Guam Press. She has taught Creative Writing, Composition, and Women and Gender Studies courses at the University of Guam, Mills College, and Southern High School. She has a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Mills College and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from the University of San Francisco. As the Managing Editor of UOG Press, Victoria-Lola has edited and led the publishing efforts for over 20 publications. She is also a published author of a children’s book, several short stories, and essays; coedited an anthology of Chamoru writers; was the editor of Storyboard: A Journal of Pacific Imagery for three years; and is co-author of the successful Guam play entitled Pågat. Victoria-Lola was also a journalist and worked for newspapers in Guam, California and Oregon. Victoria-Lola is the cochairperson of Independent Guåhan and a member of the Commission on Decolonization.

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Mary Evelyn Soriano Maravilla Director, Committee on Rules Guam Legislature At 28 years of age, Mary Evelyn Soriano Maravilla is the Director for the Committee on Rules for I Liheslaturan Guahån (The Guam Legislature) under the leadership of Senator Régine Biscoe Lee. She is a proud 2010 graduate of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam, and has attended the Guam Community College. Mary is currently taking online courses with the New York Institute of Photography and is pursuing Professional Photography, for which she has always had a strong affinity and passion.

Her service to the People of Guam spans for nearly a decade with the Guam Legislature. After graduating from the Academy of Our Lady in 2010, Mary had the opportunity to assist with social media aspects for then Senator, Rory J. Respicio’s campaign. Later that year, she became fully employed with Senator Respicio’s office for three full terms, from 2011 through 2016.

Mary first served as a Legislative Assistant, quickly becoming efficient in her duties and accustomed to the daily operations of a Senatorial office. She then became an Administrative Assistant, where she expanded her role by assisting with social media and acquiring new administrative duties all while staffing Legislative Hearings, Session and various Legislative events.

She later was afforded an opportunity to assist the Committee on Rules, where she became more involved in the Legislative process. While learning the skills required to ensure that all Legislative bills adhere to the Legislature’s Standing Rules and procedures, Mary thrived in political operations and became a crucial contributor in the Legislative Process and a “household name” in the Guam Legislature.

In 2017, Mary took on a new role working as a Legislative Officer II with the Office of the Legislative Clerk. Taking her previous experiences with Senator Respicio’s office, she processed bill introductions, resolutions, certificates and assisted with Legislative Session. Adding a new layer of legislative knowledge to her constantly evolving roles, Mary proved to be a strong asset to the Clerk's Office by providing a very structured and organized method of processing and displayed a very high attention to detail. This all garnered her very strong marks with the Clerk of the Legislature. Her efforts were immediately noticed and in that same year, during a shift in oversight leadership, she was called upon to once again rejoin the Committee on Rules, under the immediate oversight of Senator Régine Biscoe Lee. Then in 2019, Mary was tapped again by Senator Régine Biscoe Lee to continue her service to the People of Guam, this time in the capacity as the Director of the Committee on Rules. Mary participated in the 2019 NCSL American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries (ASLCS) Fall Professional Development Seminar to improve legislative administration and procedures and to establish better communication between clerks and

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secretaries throughout the United States and its territories. This granted her an opportunity to further expand her knowledge and practices while developing new professional relationships.

Throughout her years at the Legislature, Mary has participated in multiple training and development seminars and courses to include Sexual Harassment, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Open Government Law, and Ethics in Government.

Ms. Maravilla attributes her professional drive, dedication to quality, and laser-sharp work ethic to the Senators and staff that have encouraged her throughout her years of service. The same qualities can be seen in her personal life as she continues her online education in the world of professional photography. Outside of work and school, she spends her free time enjoying the company of her family and friends and gradually building a stronger portfolio.

Joanna McDonald Civil Case Manager Superior Court of Guam Judiciary of Guam

Joanna S. McDonald is currently the Civil Case Manager of the Superior Court of Guam, a position she has held since 2018. She is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the Judiciary of Guam’s Civil Justice Reform initiative, which includes the case management of civil/domestic cases. Prior to taking this position, Joanna served in various positions within the Supreme Court of Guam for eight years. Aside from her regular administrative duties, she continues to serve on various court committees to improve the administration of justice and court operations.

She is also an EEO investigator and the alternate EEO representative for the Judiciary and is a member of SHRM national and the Guam Chapter.

Joanna graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Guam in 2006, the University of Guam with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with an emphasis in Language and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies in 2010. She earned a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Guam in 2011.

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Magdalena “Maggie” Santos Naputi Sergeant I Juvenile Investigation Section Guam Police Department

Magdalena “Maggie” Santos Naputi is 35 years old, and is the proud daughter of Marvin and Zina Naputi. She is the second eldest of four children. She lives in the village of Santa Rita with her partner Franki Santos and their two amazing children, Gabriel Naputi (age 16) and Zachari Santos (age 7). Her family has five loving dogs, (Disu, Ruca, Red & Guaiya-Girl, and Niyok-Baby). Maggie enjoys spending her free time with family and discovering new cooking recipes from all around the world.

In June 2005, Maggie began her career with the Guam Police Department as a Police Cadet with the 1st Cadet Training Cycle. Upon completion of the training cycle, she was assigned to the Neighborhood Patrol Division where her primary duties were patrolling the different villages and responding to emergency and police service calls. In 2008, she was selected to be a Special Agent with the Juvenile Investigation Section. During her assignment at the Juvenile Investigation Section, she grew a strong passion in serving Guam’s youths. In addition to investigating cases involving Juveniles, she spent a significant amount of time participating in community outreach and conducting presentations to various audiences on police related topics as a guest speaker and presenter. As a certified G.R.E.A.T. officer, she facilitated the program’s curriculum in some of Guam’s public elementary schools and has successfully graduated several 5th grade classes. Maggie has also been assigned to various other units and sections within the Police Department, including the Community Resources Unit and Follow-Up Unit with the Neighborhood Patrol Division. She served as a Cadre with the Training & Staff Development Section for the 8th and 9th Police Officer Trainee Cycles.

In 2017, Maggie was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant I. She continued her assignment with the Training & Staff Development Section until August 2019, when she returned to the Juvenile Investigation Section and currently serves Guam’s youth as the Officer-in-Charge. She is a certified Fitness Instructors for the Police Department and serves as a board member of the Women’s Advisory Network (WAN).

Maggie also has been given the opportunity to serve students of the Guam Community College as an Adjunct Instructor. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Juvenile Justice. She is currently preparing to further her educational career and obtain a Master’s Degree.

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Telena Cruz Nelson Senator Guam Legislature

Telena Cruz Nelson is a two-term Democratic senator currently serving as Vice Speaker and Majority Leader of the 35th Guam Legislature. She is also the Chairperson on the Committee on Education, Air Transportation, and Statistics, Research, and Planning.

Senator Nelson was first elected to the 34th Guam Legislature in the 2016 general election. Although a fresh face in local politics, she received the fifth highest vote count, capturing the hearts of 16,922 voters. When she ran for re-election in 2018, she welcomed more supporters and received the second highest vote count with 20,335 votes. She is seeking re-election in the 36th Guam Legislature.

Telena Cruz Nelson was born in Portland, Oregon, the eldest of five children. She is the daughter of Guam natives Theodore Dwight Borja Nelson and Stephanie Cruz Nelson. Her paternal grandparents are Theodore “Ted” Sgambelluri Nelson, who previously served as Vice Speaker of the Guam Legislature, and longtime educator and retiree and senior citizens advocate Gloria Camacho Borja Nelson. Her maternal grandparents are Jose Quitugua Cruz and Asuncion “Connie” Lazaro Cruz.

She was raised in a Roman Catholic family. Her maternal grandmother Connie was instrumental in the pilgrimage that brought Santa Maria Kamalen, Our Lady of Camarin, to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. Telena and her grandmother Connie are lectors at their Catholic Church.

Telena was heavily involved in sports growing up and made the island’s IIAAG All-Island basketball and soccer teams while attending Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School, Notre Dame High School, and Simon Sanchez High School. At the age of 15, she traveled with her singing group, under instructor AnnaMae Borja, to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City representing Guam.

Telena graduated from Simon Sanchez High School and from the University of Guam with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology. In 2001, she enlisted as a Combat Medic in the U.S. Army. In 2007, she entered and completed Officer Candidate School to be commissioned as an Officer in the Guam Army National Guard. Later, she attended Basic Officer Leader Course for advancement and, in 2008, successfully completed Signal Corps Basic Officer Leader Course. She served in a combat zone in Afghanistan and deployed as a lone soldier from her Guam company between 2010 and 2011. She currently serves as a Captain in the Guam Army National Guard.

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Telena’s civilian experience was as an educator in the Guam Department of Education. Coming from a background of educators - her parents, grandmothers, aunts, siblings, and cousins - her calling was clear to help educate younger generations.

Her family comes from a lineage of farmers and ranchers that have produced their own food and agricultural products as a means of living. Her great-great grandfather, Peter Nelson, was a botanist and discovered a large tree from the Serianthes family, which they later named after him. The Serianthes Nelsonii is known as the S. Nelsonii or “hayun lagu” in CHamoru. It was named critically endangered in 1998.

Telena has shown her passion for helping the community by holding multiple teaching positions over the span of several years. She has had the opportunity to work as a Science and Physical Education Teacher, as well as hold the position of Opportunity Room and Secondary Teacher positions.

Through these positions, she was been able to enrich her students’ curriculum through national and state standards, as well as promoted physical fitness in the lives of Guam’s youth. Telena is also the Vice President of Soroptimist International of Guam and an active member in the Guam Lions Harmony Organization.

Senator Nelson signed up to serve her country and island by joining the Guam Army National Guard in 2001. She held the position of Combat Medic, where she administered emergency medical treatment to battlefield casualties, assisted with outpatient/inpatient care and treatment, and prepared blood samples for laboratory analysis between 2001 and 2007.

Since then, she was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2019 and has also held the following positions: • Officer in Charge, 105th Troop Command Headquarters • Company Commander, 1671st Signal Network Support Detachment • S6 Signal Officer, 1225TH Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Afghanistan • Training Officer, 105th Troop Command Headquarters • Chief Plans and Operations Officer (CND-Team Chief) • Company Commander, 721st Signal Company, 105th Troop Command, Guam Army National Guard • Computer Network Defense Team Chief, 721st Signal Company, 105th Troop Command, Guam Army National Guard

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Carissa E. Pangelinan Deputy Director Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center

Carissa E. Pangelinan is the Deputy Director for Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center and has been with the agency for 8 years, previously serving as Project Director for the System of Care Expansion for children’s mental health, “icareguam” and the Healthy Transitions Initiative for young adults, “Project Tulaika.” During her time as Project Director, Carissa authored the Strategic Plan to expand the System of Care for children’s mental health on Guam.

As Deputy Director, Carissa also serves as the Corporate Compliance Officer, Grant Compliance Officer, and Principal Investigator for federal grants within the agency. She has authored grants under the U.S. Health and Human Services from the Administration for Native Americans and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, securing over $19 Million in federal dollars for Guam.

While completing undergraduate studies, Carissa worked for the Guam Legislature in the Office of Senator Lou A. Leon Guerrero who was Chairwoman of the Committee on Rules and Health.

She served in the Guam Youth Congress as Dededo’s elected representative, is a proud AmeriCorps Alum, and now is a Commissioner (Democrat) of the Guam Election Commission.

Carissa is a 2004 John F. Kennedy High School alumnus who went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Master of Arts in Public Administration, and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. She is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha (Upsilon Nu) National Political Science Honor Society and the Golden Key International Honor Society.

Additionally, Carissa is a member of the American Society for Public Administration and the American Public Human Services Association; and is a dually certified Trainer of Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid. She is the youngest child of Ret. Maj. Anthony B. Pangelinan and Ms. Edith C. Pangelinan.

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Maripaz N. Perez Internal Auditor Guam Power Authority

Maripaz Nogoy Perez is the Internal Auditor of the Guam Power Authority (GPA). She joined the GPA management team in 2011.

Maripaz holds the professional designations of a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM); Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP); Certified Internal Controls Auditor (CICA); Certified Internal Auditor (CIA); and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

Maripaz attended George Washington High School in Mangilao. She served as the Senior Class President and graduated fourth in class of 350+ in 1998. She earned her degree in International Business and minored in Human Resources Management at the University of Guam.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2002. Subsequently, Maripaz received her Masters of Arts in Organizational Management at the University of Phoenix in 2005.

As the GPA Internal Auditor, Maripaz is responsible for providing independent, objective assurance, and consulting services to management and the Consolidated Commission on Utilities to add value and improve GPA’s effectiveness and efficiency.

She also has oversight of the Revenue Protection Program for the prevention and detection of unauthorized electricity use.

Prior to working at GPA, Maripaz worked at the Guam Office of Public Accountability (OPA) for more than eight years. At the OPA, she started as a Management Analyst until she was promoted as an Auditor III. Her work included performance audits, legislative mandates, financial audit reviews, and participating in Request for Proposals for audit services with local entities.

She also worked at the at the University of Guam as an adjunct instructor teaching Principles of Financial Accounting for two years from Spring 2017 thru Fall 2018.

Maripaz is an active member of the Association of Government Accountants where she served as the Secretary and the Directors for the Education and Accountability Committees.

She is currently serving as the chapter’s President-Elect and the Certification Committee Director. Maripaz is also a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Association of Certified Fraud Examiner, and the Institute for Internal Controls.

Maripaz resides in Yona with her loving husband, where they are devoted parents to their three beautiful daughters. In her spare time, Maripaz enjoys jogging and baking with her daughters.

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Jesse Quenga Executive Director Guam Commission for Educator Certification

Jesse John Quenga is the son of Mary Ann Quenga and hails from the southern village of Agat. Both he and his twin brother Anthony are graduates of Southern High School’s Class of 2009. After high school, he continued his education and obtained his Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Master of Public Administration degrees.

Jesse’s government career began at the Guam Department of Labor where he worked on federal grants through the Governor’s Serve Guam Commission. There he took part in establishing the Guam Volunteer Center and help to establish the AmeriCorps Alumni Association, Guam Chapter.

He then moved to the Guam Community College under their College Access Challenge Grant Program (CACGP) where he helped manage the largest grant administered by the college with an annual appropriation of $1.5M. There he increased program activity and drastically decreased returned federal funds to lt.

He continued his service when the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services Division of Public Welfare recruited him under the Bureau of Economic Security. The bureau manages $112M in federal funding, as is the eligibility-processing center for social service programs that include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Medically Indigent Program (MIP), and Cash Assistance (Welfare). As the state administrator for the SNAP program, he had purview over the federal reporting and federal site visits. His role was then expanded by the Chief of the DPHSS Division of Public Welfare to serve as the Quality Improvement and Assurance coordinator for the Northern, Central, and Southern processing centers. Jesse was acknowledged by the Department and was a finalist for the Government of Guam’s MAGPro Award for Inspiration and Encouragement.

After nearly two years in this role, he returned to the University of Guam School of Business and Public Administration to establish and manage the Regional Center for Public Policy. Serving as the Assistant Director his work centered on research, grants, policy, and public/private partnerships.

He also maintained responsibility as lead grant writer for the center’s budding portfolio. These research projects include the following publications: the Guam Self Determination Study (2020), the Guam Economic Report (2018, 2019), and the Guam Customs Study (2018).

Nearly $300,000 was received in 2019 with an additional $100,000 to be awarded in 2020.

In June 2020, Jesse was hired by the Guam Commission for Educator Certification to serve as the Commission’s Executive Director.

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In addition to his professional career, Jesse’s academic experience includes teaching for UOG’s Professional and International Programs in Global Compass Communication, English Communication, Business Management, Ethics in Government, and Boardsmanship. He also guest lectured for both the School of Business and Public Administration’s undergraduate and graduate programs in Operations & Project Management, Data Analysis in Public Administration, Impact of Government Regulatory Administration on Business, Administrative Thought, Administrative Law, Leadership and Social Responsibility of Organizations and MPA Practicum. Today, he is part-time faculty teaching in the undergraduate and graduate levels. Courses taught include Government Finance, Public Policy and Administration, Public Personnel Administration, Public Finance and Fiscal Policy, Special Topics in Public Administration Management Strategies - Public Policy and Governance, Internships, Special Projects, and Thesis.

As well, Jesse is an active and engaged citizen in our local community, having served in numerous professional and community organizations and boards. At the University of Guam he was elected and served as a member of the UOG Staff Council, former Chairman for the UOG Regent Nominating Council, and former President of the UOG Student Government Association. Outside the University, he currently serves as Chairman of the Guam Academy Charter Schools Council, and has previously served on the Guam Board of Education, the Governor’s Serve Guam Commission, Governor’s PEACE Council, Guam Commission on Decolonization, and the Guam Youth Congress.

In the community, he is a member of Rotary International and serves as President-elect / Vice-President for the Rotary Club of Pago Bay Guam, Founding member for the I’ina Guahan Chapter of Toastmasters International, and member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Citizen’s Academy Alumni Network – Guam Chapter.

In 2020, he was named a Delegate in the Young Pacific Leaders Program; a youth leadership development program organized by the U.S. Department of State and is part of the class of 2021 for the Executive Leadership Development Program, a program commissioned by the U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Insular Affairs.

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Aaron T.L. Quitugua Administrative Services Officer Judiciary of Guam

Aaron Thomas Linnell Quitugua is currently the Administrative Services Officer of the Supreme Court of Guam. Born and raised in Guam, he graduated in 2012 from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School, where his interest in law-related work was sparked by his participation in mock trial. Aaron started as a Data Entry Clerk for the Superior Court of Guam, diligently and quickly working his way up to Deputy Clerk for the Supreme Court before assuming his current position.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Penn Foster College, graduating magna cum laude in 2019. He completed his undergraduate degree while simultaneously working full-time as a Deputy Clerk of the Supreme Court of Guam. Aaron aspires to begin a Master’s degree program within the next year.

Aaron’s court-focused certifications include Effective Supervision from the National Center for State Courts and Mindful Leadership for Court Managers from the Pacific Judicial Council, and he is currently enrolled in the Judiciary of Guam’s Leadership Development Academy. Aaron has served on the Judiciary of Guam’s Grievance Review Committee, Continuity of Operations Plan Committee, and Strategic Plan Focus Group on Technology. Additionally, he has attended the FBI’s outreach program on improvised explosives and weapons of mass destruction, and training from the U.S. Marshals on VIP and personal security.

Aaron’s current work duties include drafting court orders and notices for the Justices and Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court of Guam; conducting scrub reviews of Supreme Court opinions; conducting case research; serving as representative of the Board of Law Examiners to applicants of the Guam Bar; serving as the Supreme Court’s liaison to the Guam Bar Association; and serving as the Supreme Court’s procurement officer.

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Abigail Q. Reyes Budget and Management Analyst III Bureau of Budget and Management Research

Abigail Q. Reyes is a Budget and Management Analyst III with the Bureau of Budget and Management Research (BBMR). She has been working for the government of Guam on different capacities for over 13 years. She was also an Adjunct Faculty at the University of Guam in Spring 2019. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate at the Capella University pursuing her PhD in Business Management with an anticipated completion date of 2022 and she is working towards her designation as a Certified Fraud Examiner.

As a Budget and Management Analyst III, Abigail plays a key role in conducting necessary operational planning and management research and studies to ensure that effective planning and management methods are utilized by departments and agencies of the government of Guam. This entails recommending adequate funding levels for assigned departments and agencies to meet their mandates while keeping with the Administration’s fiscal policies and ensuring that assigned departments and agencies maintain keen focus on accuracy and adherence to budget ceilings and established policies and priorities in their preparation and submission of annual budget and allotment release schedules. Abigail also analyzes and makes recommendations on departmental appropriation/allotment modifications, personnel action requests, travel requests, and contracts to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, rules and regulations. She also conducts year-round monitoring of departmental allotments and expenditures to identify and resolve any funding issues and ensure adequate financial resources throughout the fiscal year. Abigail’s responsibilities also include the completion of key portions of the Governor’s Executive Budget Request submitted annually, preparation of fiscal notes for proposed legislations, and completion of special projects and analyses on various fiscal matters as requested by management.

Prior to assuming her current position, Abigail served as a Management Analyst IV and Acting Supervisor at the Business Privilege Tax (BPT) Branch with the Department of Revenue and Taxation (DRT) from 2018 to October 2019. In these capacities, Abigail analyzed proposed legislations affecting DRT and prepared recommendations on proposed process improvements for DRT. She also led the BPT team in administering and enforcing BPT, Use Tax, Limited Gaming Tax, Hotel Occupancy Tax, Liquid Fuel Tax, Alcoholic Beverage Tax, and Tobacco Tax; supervised the private bonded warehouses operations for tobacco products to include enforcement of reconciliation processes, which had not been performed prior; and facilitated the reconciliation of Use Tax assessments, which had been backlogged for several years.

She was also the point of contact for DRT for a number of audits being conducted concurrently by the Office of Public Accountability to include pressing matters such as Tobacco Tax, Use Tax, Limited Gaming Tax, and Hotel Occupancy Tax. During this time, she was also an Adjunct Faculty at the University of Guam, School of Business and Public Administration, and taught Public Personnel Administration and Leadership and Collaboration courses in the Spring of 2019.

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Abigail also served as a Special Projects Coordinator with the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) from 2014 to 2018. Abigail coordinated and participated in special assignments specific to promoting the economic growth of Guam, working closely with affected agencies in preparing policy recommendations and research. Abigail also served as a Staff Assistant under former Governor Edward J.B. Calvo’s Chief Fiscal Advisor, Bernadette Artero from 2011 to 2014 and was responsible for financial analyses, research and reporting of revenue and expenditure trends and played a key role in developing financial presentations for rating agencies’ annual review of GovGuam credit, and was a member of the Governor’s Fiscal Policy Committee. Abigail also served in the private sector from 2008 to 2011, as a Business Banking Officer for Bank of Hawaii, managing a portfolio of approximately 200 small business clients on Guam and assisting them with financing and restructuring needs. Prior to that, Abigail served as a Senior Budget and Finance Analyst for the Office of Finance and Budget under the Committee of Ways and Means, in the 27th, 28th, and 29th Guam Legislature from 2004 to 2008.

Abigail is currently pursuing her PhD in Business Management from Capella University and is expected to graduate in 2022. Abigail was recently issued the Doctoral Candidate badge reflective of her successful completion of required didactic courses and comprehensive exam, and advancement into the dissertation phase of the program. She continues to be in the President’s List since starting the program in 2017 for academic excellence. Abigail earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 2015 and her Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Economics, cum laude in 2004, both from the University of Guam.

While in college, she was on the President’s List and National Dean’s List.

Abigail was also selected from over a hundred of applicants from across the Micronesia to join a class of 20 for the 2013 Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) managed by the Graduate School USA’s Pacific Islands Training Initiative, with funding from the United States Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs. The ELDP is designed to respond to the emerging personnel needs the insular governments continue to face by providing customized leadership training to insular government employees. She completed the program in June 2013. As a continuation of the program, Abigail also completed the Advanced Executive Leadership Development Program in March 2018.

Abigail is the daughter of Cesar and Angela Reyes of Dededo. Cesar is a retired pipefitter at the Guam Shipyard and Angela is a retired bank employee. Abigail is with Pete Ofeciar, MPA, a Customs and Quarantine Officer III, and together, they have three sons, Miguel Angelo, Kyle Christopher, and Pete Nicolas. They are expecting their fourth child in March of 2021. Her values are deeply rooted in her faith in God as instilled by her parents. She also attributes her professional drive and work ethics to her parents.

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John J. Rivera, PhD. Associate Professor Program Director – Master’s in Public Administration Director – Regional Center for Public Policy University of Guam

John J. Rivera, PhD., is an executive coach, consultant, and professor with a diverse professional and academic experience. John’s expertise and forte is in Human Capital Innovation through Agile Leadership Transformation and Organizational Development—specializing in Emotional Intelligence, Personality Type, and Strategic Talent Capacity Building.

Currently, John is a Tenured Associate Professor of Public Administration with the University of Guam’s School of Business and Public Administration, the MPA Program Director, and Co-Founder and Director for the Regional Center for Public Policy. He is also President and Senior Consultant with Allied Business Consultants, Inc. Throughout Guam and the region, John has worked with a diverse array of companies from startup to global brands, federal, and public sector to nonprofits. He has a solid track record of proven success and a strong portfolio of professional credentials. His skill sets are complemented by a dozen of the most prominent talent developmental assessments in the market today. Among these, John is Guam's first and only MBTI Master Practitioner and MBTI Certified Step III Practitioner; Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile (EMP) Founding Practitioner; and was among the first Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i) certified practitioners on Guam. His other postnominal credentials include L5, AIF, CFE, CM, SHRM-SCP, SPHRi, PHR, CFD, KSS, and KHS. Recognized for his leadership, he was knighted into the Equestrian Order of Saint Sylvester Pope & Martyr, one of three active Orders of Knighthood bestowed by the Pope. John was instrumental in establishing the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Magistral Delegation of Guam, an order he was also knighted into, that finds its origins in the First Crusade (c1099). He assisted in the establishment of the FBI Guam Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association as the founding board vice president, is an Honorary Deputy Chief of Police, a founding board member and immediate past president of the Rotary eClub of Pago Bay Guam, was a member of the SHRM Guam Board of Directors, the first faculty to concurrently hold both the School of Business and Public Administration (SBPA) Graduate Programs Chair positions (PMBA and MPA), was former Program Chair for the BOH Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, named the first Certified Manager (CM) Certified Instructor, selected to participate in the 2019 NASPAA Next Class – a leadership class focused on the NEXT 50 Years of Public Affairs Education; Selected to the SPHRi Exam Writing Panel; Selected to participate in the UOG Academic Leaders Mentorship Program and was recognized as Who’s Who in the Government of Guam: 40 Years and Under.

After 20 years in the non-profit sector, John began his government service career with the University of Guam. Early on, he won the UOG New Faculty of the Year Award and in his time with the University of Guam, has won numerous other awards and accolades for his program’s projects, both local and national.

He has founded several honor societies, raised program caliber through specialized accreditation efforts, and embarked on legacy projects with noteworthy social impact for Guam and Greater Micronesia.

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Clariza Mae Roque Accountability Auditor III Office of Public Accountability

Clariza Mae Roque is a Certified Government Financial Manager, Certified Government Auditing Professional, and Certified Internal Control Auditor with the Office of Public Accountability (OPA). She graduated from the John F. Kennedy High School in 2003 and obtained her Bachelor in Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Guam in December 2008. She was hired at OPA in September 2009 and rose through the ranks to be part of OPA’s management team since 2018.

As an Audit Supervisor, Clariza is responsible for conducting and overseeing audits and analyses. She also oversees the issuance of financial audits, the administration of procurement appeals, and serves as a TeamMate audit software Champion.

Clariza is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors and Institute of Internal Controls. She is an active member of the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) since 2009 and served in various leadership roles within our local AGA Chapter: Program Year (PY) 2017 – 2018 Chapter President, PY 2016 – 2017 Chapter President – Elect, PY 2013 – 2014 and PY 2015 – 2016 Chapter Secretary, PY 2018 – 2020 Chapter Newsletter Editor, and PY 2017 – 2020 Chapter Webmaster. She is currently serving as the Chapter Communications Director.

Clariza is the mother of Rainen Grey who loves listening to Bruno Mars and The Singing Walrus. She is the eldest of two children and the only daughter of Reynaldo and Teresita Roque.

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Krystal Paco San Agustin Press Secretary Office of the Governor of Guam

Krystal Paco-San Agustin is a woman to watch. For almost a decade, she delivered nightly headlines and hard-hitting news as a KUAM News primetime and weekend anchor and crime reporter.

In January 2019, Krystal accepted the position as Press Secretary for the Office of the Governor of Guam. Within the first year of the Leon GuerreroTenorio Administration, she completed an accelerated MPA program at the University of Guam, where she graduated at the top of her class and earned a Certified Manager (CM) credential. While working towards a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certification, Krystal has played critical leadership roles in the administration’s response to two public health emergencies, namely a dengue outbreak and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Krystal received her BA in Communication (Mass Media) and Fine Arts (Music) from UOG in Spring 2011. In her spare time, she is an adjunct communication instructor and hopes to help her students combat their fear of public speaking.

She is a former host of Nihi!, a locally produced children’s TV show which promotes the CHamoru language and culture through song, dance, and skits.

In 2014, she raised funds and awareness for the show and its non-profit, Duk Duk Goose, Inc., during her run for Miss World Guam, a beauty pageant highlighting “Beauty with a Purpose.” Although she did not take home the crown, she won the “People’s Choice Award.” She remains active in local beauty pageants, providing public speaking workshops for contestants.

Krystal is an accomplished singer, actress, and saxophonist having performed at Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House. Her theater credits include Mamma Mia (Tanya), RENT (Maureen), Miss Saigon (Gigi), and Chorus Line (Diana). Currently, she is the lead singer for the local band, Monster Squad.

Last year, Krystal married her longtime musician boyfriend, Rob San Agustin. Together, they are the musical duo, Pacstin. Their original music can be streamed on all music streaming platforms.

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Jose Dante S. Santiago Junior Network Engineer Office of Information Technology University of Guam

Jose Dante S. Santiago was born and raised on the neighboring island of Saipan. He graduated from Marianas High School in 2009 and obtained an associate degree in Liberal Arts from Northern Marianas College before moving to Guam in 2011 where he completed his bachelor’s degree in computer science at the University of Guam.

Prior to graduating from the University of Guam, Jose had already begun his employment with the university under the Federal Work Study program at the UOG Computer Center as a Lab Aide where he was able to engage the hands on skills he was learning in the classroom. By the time Jose graduated in 2014 he was already hired as a full-time employee as an IT Support Technician. Immediately after graduation, Jose was hired as a Jr. Computer Operator. After two years, Jose was hired into his now current position as a Jr. Network Engineer at the University of Guam. As of 2020, Jose has worked for the University of Guam for 8 years.

As a Network Engineer. Jose manages and maintains the connectivity for the campus network including wireless and cabled systems. Jose also designs network topologies for core servers, VOIP systems, backbone connections, including fiber and satellite frequencies.

As part of his position as a network engineer Jose often collaborates with other network operators around the globe where he shares his ideas and experiences working at the University of Guam.

As a Network Engineer Jose has been involved several large community impacting projects such as the Guam EPSCoR project, the Guam Open Research & Education eXchange (GOREX), and the Mariana Islands Internet eXchange (MARIIX). Jose is also supporting the newly launched esports program at the University of Guam.

Jose also manages a part time job as the Network Administrator for Ladera Tower for the past 5 years. In 2017 Jose started his own IT consulting business, where he focuses on providing affordable and personalized IT support for small business on Guam.

Jose also recently launched simplychante.com, a small online brand and podcast, with a partner.

When he is not working on IT Jose enjoys skateboarding, auto-crossing, and playing Pokémon.

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Frank Muna Santos Sergeant I Domestic Assault Response Team Guam Police Department

Frank M. Santos is a 2003 graduate of Notre Dame High School. In 2004, he completed the 12th Criminal Justice Academy from the Guam Community College obtaining and Associates Degree and Certification in Criminal Justice. He then joined the Guam Police Department in 2005. He was assigned to the Neighborhood Patrol Division where he spent time at the Dededo, Tumon/Tamuning and Hagatna Precinct.

In 2009, he was transferred to GPD’s Criminal Investigations Division where he was assigned to the Property Crimes Unit and then transferred to the Government Corruption Unit. In 2015, he was transferred to the newly created section, GPD Domestic Assault Response Team, which investigates family violence, sexual assault and stalking crimes. During his tenure in D.A.R.T. he attended numerous specialized training on and off-island to help develop and hone his skills in the specialized field.

Through his 15 years of service with GPD, he has received numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Service Award in 2008, 2012, and 2016, the Meritorious Service Award in 2006, and the Mag Pro Award, Life Saving Medal in 2011 and 2013.

In 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant I and was transferred back to the Neighborhood Patrol Division, Hagatna Precinct and served as a field supervisor until late 2019. He was then transferred back to D.A.R.T. to assume as the Officer in Charge. In his current position he supervises all follow-up investigations conducted by detectives in the unit and victim services provided by victim advocates, along with managing federal grants for GPD particular to supporting family violence and sexual assault.

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Janelle C. Santos Accountant II Guam Memorial Hospital Authority

Janelle C. Santos is currently an Accountant II for the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA). She is responsible for managing GMHA’s patient accounts receivable. Working for Guam’s public hospital has given her the opportunities to implement Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) workflows to increase cash flow, maximize revenue, streamline manual processes, and improve in the overall patient accounting system. Under her guidance, she provides support for patient accounts management, financial analysis, and accounts reconciliation to ensure compliance with federal regulations. In her role, she supervises 6 Accounting Technicians, 1 Collection Agent, and 2 Cashiers responsible for follow-up on insurance receivables, patient/insurance payment posting, and communicating with healthcare insurances to address issues on claims to minimize denials and maximize reimbursement.

A 2012 graduate of Simon Sanchez High School, Janelle continued her studies by completing her Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Accounting with a minor in Public Administration from the University of Guam in 2015. During her time, she was the President of the Junior Accountant Society and served as a Senator for UOG’s Student Body Association.

After completing her internship at Department of Administration – Division of Accounts, she was hired as an Accountant I at GMHA in 2015. Her interest in public accounting inspired her to complete her Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Guam in 2016. During her practicum, she co-wrote the “2016 CNMI Economic Report” that has been published in UOG’s Regional Center for Public Policy.

Janelle has recently became a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and completed her Certified Revenue Cycle Representative Certification in August 2020.

She is the daughter of +Jaime S. and Soledad C. Santos of Yigo, Guam.

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Amanda L. Shelton Senator Guam Legislature

Senator Amanda L. Shelton is the daughter of Gracialla Shinohara Shelton and the late former Senator Austin “Sonny” Shelton and from the village of Asan. She is the youngest serving senator taking office at age 28, and is the youngest woman ever to serve in the Guam Legislature.

As a first term senator, Amanda builds on her policy making experience from both the local and federal levels of government. Amanda is a graduate of the Council of State Governments Western Legislative Academy. She developed her passion for public service while serving as the press secretary for Guam’s Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives and as a policy advisor and chief of staff in the Guam Legislature.

While running in her first campaign, Amanda graduated from the University of Guam with a Master of Public Administration degree in 2018 after being awarded the first ever UOG Presidential Community Achievement Award.

She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Communication from the University of Guam in 2012 and graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Guam in 2008.

Amanda also serves in various community organizations such as the Guam Diamonds Lions Club and Soroptimist International of the Marianas. She is the vice president of the Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association and the past president of the University of Guam Alumni Association. Amanda enjoys working directly with young people as a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine teacher and a former troop leader with the Guam Girl Scouts.

As the chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education and the Advancement of Youth, Women and Senior Citizens, Amanda works effectively with her colleagues to pass important policy and to ensure resources are allocated to the most important needs of these communities. She was chosen as the National Association of Social Workers Guam Chapter 2020 Public Citizen of the Year.

Amanda has authored public laws to protect our elderly against abuse and financial exploitation, and to protect our community by closing loopholes in the justice system by immediately requiring registration on the Sex Offender Registry. She championed legislation to increase Guam’s renewable energy portfolio to 100% by 2045 and gained bipartisan support to prohibit vaping in areas where smoking is banned.

Amanda also fought to increase funding to both the Guam Community College and University of Guam to increase direct student support and distance learning opportunities. She is responsible for restoring the Summer Youth Employment Program to give up to 200 young people the opportunity to work and explore their passion for public service every year.

Amanda continues to advocate a platform of service and respect for manåmko, meaningful pathways and opportunities for the youth, and protection of the environment. She is seeking a second term in office in the 36th Guam Legislature, and hopes to continue serving the people of Guam through public service.

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Austin J. Shelton III, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Extension & Outreach Director - UOG Center for Island Sustainability and UOG Sea Grant University of Guam

Dr. Austin Shelton joined the faculty of the University of Guam (UOG) in 2016 as an assistant professor of extension and outreach. Shelton later received appointments to concurrently serve as the director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and UOG Sea Grant. In 2019, he was selected as an Obama Leader Asia Pacific. Shelton leads initiatives that support the transition of island communities toward a sustainable future. He currently co-chairs the Guam Green Growth G3 Initiative with the Office of the Governor of Guam to locally advance the 17 U.N Sustainable Development Goals.

Shelton grew up in Asan, Guam observing environmental challenges and was inspired to become a marine and environmental scientist. Shelton now conducts research to revive island ecosystems and builds STEM capacity in Pacific Islander communities through student research experiences and science fairs. Shelton manages a portfolio of grants from Sea Grant (NOAA), National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCoR, NSF INCLUDES, Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Hawaii-Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Units (U.S. Navy), and the Northern and Southern Guam Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Shelton coordinates multiple regional and international collaborations as a board member/trustee of the Micronesia Conservation Trust; representative of the Guam focal point to the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) and Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP); delegate to the National Sea Grant Association; steering committee member of the Local2030 Islands Network; and UOG member representative to the Global Consortium for Sustainability Outcomes. Locally, he is a member of the Governor of Guam’s Climate Change Resiliency Commission, Aquacultural Task Force, and Islandwide Beautification Task Force; member of the Guam Legislature’s Council on Climate Change Preparedness and Resilience; and Vice President of the Guam Science and Discovery Society.

Shelton earned a B.S. degree in marine biology from Hawai`i Pacific University and both an M.S. and Ph.D. in zoology with a specialization in marine biology from the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa. He is the son of A.J. “Sonny” and Gracialla Shelton and brother of Melinda, Madeline and Senator Amanda Shelton. He is married to Lei Kobayashi Shelton, and they have three children.

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Kevin Susuico Mayor Municipality of Agat Mayors’ Council of Guam

Agat Mayor Kevin Susuico is married to Joann Meeks Susuico and they are parents of Keniann Meeks Susuico, Keiviann Johnie Meeks Susuico, Kaivan Suja Meeks Susuico, and Kamalen Rose Meeks Susuico. He is the son of +Kenneth and Maria Taitague Susuico.

Kevin attended Agat Elementary school from 1989 to 1994 and Piti Middle School from 1994-1995. He attended Southern High School from 1997 to 2001. He graduated from the Guam Community College with an Associate of Science Degree in Marketing.

Kevin is a 3rd Degree/4th Degree Knight of Columbus in the Mount Carmel Council (Number 11629). He has served as the President of the Marcial A. Sablan Elementary School PTO. He is the Confirmation Teacher and Minister at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.

In addition to his government service, Kevin has served in various capacities and holding various positions in the private sector for finance, logistics, and telecommunications companies from 2002 to 2010. He worked as a Special Projects Coordinator for the Guam Homeland Security from July 2011 to October 2011. He was also employed by the Port Authority of Guam as an Accountant II from 2011 to 2013. Kevin ran and won the Vice Mayoral seat of Agat in a special election held in 2015 after the untimely death of +Vice Mayor Agustin Quintanilla. In 2016, Kevin ran for Mayor and was successful in his bid.

Kevin’s special interests are giving praise to the Lord above and helping our brothers and sisters in need, raising his beautiful family and being with family and friends and enjoying life.

Sitting as the Mayor of Agat, Kevin has done so much to improve and beautify the village and to continue the path that Mayor Carol Tayama and +Vice Mayor Agustin Quintanilla have made, while also making his mark to make Agat even greater.

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Llewelyn R. Terlaje Budget Analyst Office of Finance and Budget Guam Legislature

Llewelyn R. Terlaje is a Certified Government Financial Manager, Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Government Auditing Professional.

She is currently serving as a Budget Analyst with the Guam Legislature’s Office of Finance and Budget under the Chairmanship of Senator Joe S. San Agustin. As a Budget Analyst, Llewelyn performs a wide range of analytical, technical, and advisory functions in the Government of Guam’s budgetary process. She is also directly involved in forecasting government revenues.

Llewelyn has over 15 years of experience working in the government of Guam where her interest as a public servant began when she interned for the Office of Public Accountability (OPA). She then moved up the ranks serving as a staff auditor, then as an Auditor-In-Charge, and became part of the management team as an Audit Supervisor. As part of her accomplishments under OPA, Llewelyn’s audit received the Association of Local Government Auditors Exemplary Knighton Award for her audit on the Department of Public Works Village Streets Management Strategy. She also assisted with two publications under the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI): Performance Audit Manual and the Strategic management Operational Guidelines. These two resources were created to aid over 25 countries under PASAI’s Pacific Regional Audit Initiative, which aims to raise public auditing in the Pacific Region to uniformly high standards.

In the international arena, Llewelyn was a member of the global resource team for the INTOSAI Development Initiative’s Program on Supreme Audit Institutions Fighting Corruption.

Llewelyn graduated from the Graduate School USA’s Pacific Islands Training Initiative Executive Leadership Development Program in 2015.

She also graduated with honors from the University of Guam with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.

Llewelyn proudly serves as the Treasurer-elect with the Association of Government Accountants. Other leadership roles she has undertaken during her 15 years of membership include serving as the Secretary, Director of Bylaws and Procedures, Co-Director of Bylaws and Procedures, Director of Community Service, Co-Director of Community Service, and serving as a member of various sub-committees and task forces. She is also a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

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David Welle Language Assistance Program Manager Courts & Ministerial Judiciary of Guam

David Welle graduated Class of 2004 from Xavier High School in Chuuk and went on to earn his AA degree in Micronesian Studies from the College of Micronesia (COM) in Pohnpei (2004 -2006). He went back to be a teacher at Moen Junior High School in Chuuk and was Chairperson of the Math and Science Department (2006 - 2009).

While teaching, he also enrolled and completed a Certificate of Trial Counseling from the College of Micronesia/FSM Supreme Court (2008 – 2009). After teaching, he moved to Guam to further his education at the University of Guam and earned a Bachelor in Criminal Justice (2010 - 2012) and a Master’s in Public Administration (2013 – 2015).

While taking classes at UOG, he was also assisting the Judiciary of Guam with their language needs. His performance as a contract court interpreter was above satisfactory and enough to gain him a full time position there. He worked diligently and closely with his supervisors, learned and contributed to the development of the Language Program, and in time the management of the program was passed on to him. He is currently the Language Assistance Program Manager at the Judiciary of Guam.

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John Wiglesworth Web Developer Office of Information Technology University of Guam

John Thomas Wiglesworth is currently serving Guam as a Web Developer at the University of Guam Office of Information Technology.

John arrived in Guam with his parents shortly after Super Typhoon Pongsona, in 2002. Having spent most of his childhood moving frequently between Southeast Asia and the United States, Guam became the first place he could truly call his home. In 2010, he graduated from Harvest Christian Academy, then went on to study in Wisconsin and South Carolina pursuing counseling, psychology, and computer science. In 2015, he graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in Computer Science and promptly flew back to Guam to marry his high school sweetheart.

When an unexpected opportunity presented itself to become the University of Guam’s first web developer, John gratefully accepted. He is thrilled with the comradery and friendships he found at the University of Guam among its faculty and staff. In addition to trailblazing a cohesive, user-friendly, and accessible web presence for the University of Guam, he and his coworkers are pioneering new data-center infrastructures which will benefit not only the University, but the entire island of Guam and the Asia-Pacific region.

Over the past year, John has been leading a team of dedicated and passionate volunteers to start the islands first ever collegiate esports team: Triton Esports. The purpose of Triton Esports is to mold professional leaders through rigorous training, coaching, and mentorship. Triton Esports will use the environment of competitive esports as a tool to enrich the student experience and pioneer new university partnerships.

Guam’s unique blend of cultures have made this island dear to John. He is grateful to serve and give back to the others who, like him, have found a home in this beautiful island.

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