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.
24 | 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam
