HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — The Guam Economic Development Authority administrator is at the top of her game when it comes to leading the agency, according to the GEDA board.
Melanie Mendiola was appointed as administrator of GEDA in 2019 and, in her time at the helm, the board of directors believes she has been a positive influence on the organization.
“I think that I speak for us all in that you have done a great job with the organization and the team as a whole,” David John, board chair, said during the board meeting on Thursday.
According to John, Mendiola has brought operational stability to the organization, as well as improved GEDA’s financial footing.
“We used to have massive swings in our annual financials, we are not seeing that. The grant underwriting is solid and it’s just nice to see the organization on sound financial footing,” John said.
He, along with the rest of the board, had nothing but positive remarks for Mendiola’s performance evaluation. They noted that under Mendiola’s leadership, the community’s perception of GEDA has improved.
“I can’t think of anybody who spoke with anything but praise of the organization under your leadership. We’ve also seen a lot more engagement with the small businesses working with (Guam Unique Merchandise & Art), and in the end, complimenting each other,” John said.
With Guam on the road to recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, John noted the important role Mendiola would serve as the GEDA administrator in the coming years.
“In the coming years, Mel and I spoke about the need to bring back aggressive marketing to invest in Guam. I think COVID-19 took the wind out of our sails. I think it’s time to reignite those sails and get back into that. But, in order to do that, … we are really going to need to push through. I think we are looking at determining what our priorities are and making sure that when we bring investors here we are inviting them to an environment where they can get their project done. So we really need to push through with these things and make sure we are not going to bring them here and then agencies are going to drop balls on things,” John said.
From John’s perspective, Mendiola’s actions and leadership have been “outstanding.”
Vice Chair Ernesto Espaldon Jr. shared the same sentiments with regard to Mendiola’s performance.
“I think that, Administrator Mendiola, you have been very in touch with the community and so we appreciate that. Suggestions that have been offered by the board, you have taken seriously. Especially during the time of the post-pandemic in trying to get the grant out there to allow the small businesses both within the tourism industry and not in the tourism industry. Also, keeping in the back of your mind the businesses that are not in the know, ones are not connected. I appreciate that and at the same time I think you’ve done a great job in terms of managing and collaborating with the team. I think you have a good energy, you do a great job sticking up for your team, but at the same time taking responsibility when you know things could have been better and you strive to do better,” Espaldon said.
Melanie Mendiola, CEO and administrator of the Guam Economic Development Authority, delivers committee and standing reports during a meeting of the GEDA board of directors at the Guam International Trade Center in Tamuning on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023.
