By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff

GOVERNOR Felix P. Camacho yesterday appointed a bank executive to the University of Guam’s Board of Regents despite refusal by some university officials to acknowledge the governor’s appointing authority.
The governor picked William D. Leon Guerrero, Bank of Guam executive vice president and chief operating officer, from a list of candidates submitted by the Regents Nominating Council. He will assume the seat left vacant by the resignation of Felicita Perez in December last year.
“Bill Leon Guerrero knows what it takes to raise funds for the University and implement policies for sound financial management,” Camacho said.
Leon Guerrero was recommended to the council by former Democratic senator and current BOG president and CEO Lou Leon Guerrero, whose family’s largess funded the construction of the Jesus S. and Eugenia A Leon Guererro School of Business and Public Administration.
“I believe that his skills and knowledge will make a huge contribution to the University, including its financial performance and its overall excellence as an academic institution,” the former senator stated in her recommendation letter.
“He will be a valuable addition to the University community who understands the needs of our island, especially the need to develop our workforce quickly,” she added.
Leon Guerrero was twice recommended for a seat on the board by the nominating council on Sept. 5, 2006 and Oct. 17, 2006. On Feb. 14, the council submitted two names to the governor for his consideration.
“The governor rejected both nominees due to the potential conflicts of interest pointed out by the nominating council in their transmittal letter. Governor Camacho requested the council submit another name for consideration, but the council did not do so,” according to a press release from the governor’s office.
“Bill Leon Guerrero’s achievements in life inspire our children to pursue their education, work hard and succeed,” Camacho said. “He is a true example of the Chamorro success story who makes us proud, who our children can look to and who keeps giving back to his community.”