THE Commonwealth Utilities Corporation is still seeking a new executive director, according to a job vacancy announcement dated May 4, 2024.
In a statement Wednesday, CUC said it “regrets to announce that Christopher Theisen has withdrawn his acceptance of CUC’s offer for the Executive Directorship due to contractual issues. Mr. Theisen was offered the position after a vote of the CUC Board of Directors during a special board meeting on February 23, 2024, which Mr. Theisen accepted.”
“Unfortunately,” CUC added, “while agreeing in principle, CUC and Mr. Theisen were unable to agree on the final terms of Mr. Theisen’s employment contract, and thus have parted ways.”
“While we are disappointed that Mr. Theisen will not be joining us as Executive Director, we respect his decision and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” stated Janice Tenorio, CUC board chairwoman. “We remain committed to finding the most qualified candidate to lead our organization and continue our mission of serving the community.”
CUC “expresses its gratitude to all candidates who have expressed interest in the Executive Director position and assures stakeholders that the selection process will continue with diligence and transparency.”
In February, CUC said it had hired Theisen, a licensed engineer from California, to fill the position for two years with an annual salary of $200,000 in addition to a one-year allowance for housing, vehicle, relocations costs and standard benefits.
CUC said it would take between 60 to 90 days for Theisen to relocate to Saipan.
Variety files also state that there were 20 applicants who went through the vetting process.
As part of the federal stipulated orders, CUC must fill key management positions such as the executive director.
Betty Terlaje, CUC’s chief of administration, has been serving as an acting executive director since April 2023.
In April 25, 2024, the board extended Terlaje’s contract as interim executive director for another 90 days.
