Larson, the new Finance secretary, and Mafnas the new Department of Public Safety commissioner were joined by their families, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos and other administration officials as they took their oath of office at 3:30 p.m.
Acknowledging their capability to lead two of the most important department of the government, Fitial asked them to continue what they have been doing.
“Doing the right thing will always prevail,” he added.
Press Secretary Angel A. Demapan in an interview said the governor and the lt. governor were pleased with the Senate’s confirmation of the nominations of Larson and Mafnas.
“Today’s swearing in basically brings the nominations to full circle. And now they can carry on their duties officially and no longer in acting capacity,” Demapan said.
He noted that the positions of the Finance secretary and DPS commissioner were very hard to fill.
“We have come a long way to find qualified individuals for these posts. Now, we welcome them [Larson and Mafnas] to the cabinet and we are confident that they will carry out their goals in the best way possible and in the best interest of the commonwealth,” Demapan said.
Larson is an economic graduate of the University of Hawaii where she also got her master’s degree in business administration. She previously worked as analyst for the Office of the Public Auditor and the Lt. governor’s office.
Mafnas, a former Marine sergeant, taught at Marianas High School and Northern Marianas College and worked in the private sector before he became acting DPS commissioner. He was appointed Corrections commissioner in 2006 and 2007.
He also served as Fitial’s senior policy advisor.
