MARK Rabauliman said he resigned as secretary of the Department of Commerce so he can focus on his tasks as economic development director.
Mark Rabauliman
In an interview on Wednesday, Rabauliman said his resignation, which he submitted to the governor on March 28, will give him the opportunity to focus on something that he has been passionate about.
“That’s my forte,” he said, referring to the department’s economic development division, which aims to address, among other things, the economic challenges facing the Commonwealth.
Rabauliman became acting Commerce secretary in September 2014 and his nomination as department head was confirmed in March 2015.
In a letter to Office of Personnel Management Director Franny Salas, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said with the passage of House Bill 22-21, which will establish the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority, “we are moving at a fast clip to navigate our CNMI out of the economic challenges that we are facing.”
“With all the pieces falling into place the need to strengthen and build the capacity for the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Division is more critical than ever before,” the governor said. “Therefore, I am appointing Mr. Mark Rabauliman as acting director of economic development in the Department of Commerce effective immediately.”
In his letter to the governor, Rabauliman said, “I appreciate the experience and opportunity to serve under your leadership. You and Lt. Gov. Arnold Palacios have consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities, which have helped me grow both professionally and personally. I certainly appreciate and understand the administration’s goals and as such, I hope that I have done my part to aid your administration in helping the people of our community as Department of Commerce secretary.”
“It is my utmost appreciation to have served as part of your cabinet as demonstrated in Commerce’s performance measures and year-end reports respectively,” Rabauliman added.
He said he remains “committed to endure and mitigate any anticipated challenges as I take on the new role as director of economic development.”
The acting Commerce secretary is Edward “Tofila” M. Deleon Guerrero, the Commerce corporation registrar.
