THE Senate on Tuesday unanimously confirmed Gov. Arnold I. Palacios’ nominees to the Northern Marianas Technical Institute board of trustees, the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority board of directors and the CNMI Scholarship board.
All of the eight senators present voted to adopt the reports of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations recommending the confirmations of Catherine Marie Attao and Roland Johnson to the NMTech board, Frank Lee SN Borja to the CEDA board, and Patricia Joy San Nicolas to the CNMI Scholarship board.
Sen. Paul A. Manglona was excused.
Attao and Johnson are incumbent NMTech board members who have been re-appointed to serve another term.
In its report, the Senate EAGI committee said Attao is no stranger to NMTech’s challenges and achievements. She is willing to fully develop NMTech into an institution that can help expand the CNMI’s skilled workforce.
As for Johnson, the EAGI said he has unique experience in auto mechanics that includes over 55 years of technical hands-on experience. He also holds certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard. In addition, Johnson has demonstrated familiarity and expertise in the trade industry by presenting innovative ways to expand the program. This includes offering it to Public School System students at an earlier age, “and we look forward to the implementation of that,” the EAGI report stated.
Regarding Borja, who has previously served on the CEDA board, the EAGI report said the committee did not receive testimony in opposition of his nomination. His credentials include diplomas from the University of Guam and the University of Texas. The committee is “confident to endorse his nomination.”
Sen. Karl King-Nabors, for his part, said Borja’s résumé speaks for himself. Borja has returned to the U.S. to provide his expertise and knowledge to the CEDA board, the senator added.
As for San Nicolas’ nomination to the scholarship board, the EAGI report said her qualifications and experience as an educator as well as her professional conduct was scrutinized during a committee meeting held on Tinian.
The EAGI noted her “communication skills and conduct, and more importantly her commitment to education.”
The EAGI is chaired by Sen. Celina R. Babauta.
