Joann T. Aquino
JOANN T. Aquino has been appointed area chair of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve in the CNMI.
She succeeds Rita A. Sablan, who retired late last year.
ESGR Guam-CNMI State Chair Cathy Gogue named Aquino the new area chair whose role is to collaborate with the state chair and executive committee to advance ESGR’s mission of strengthening relationships among employers, service members, and their families.
The new area chair will also focus on educating employers and service members in the CNMI about their rights and responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.
The state committee said Aquino “brings a wealth of experience in public service and community engagement.”
Aquino currently serves as president of the Rotary Club of Saipan. She previously worked as a key member of Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang’s staff before opening a small business and further committing herself to civic initiatives.
“Her deep ties to the community and extensive professional background make her an invaluable asset to the ESGR Guam-CNMI Committee,” the committee said.
Gogue said they are “thrilled to welcome Joann as the area chair for the CNMI. Her leadership skills and community-oriented mindset will significantly enhance our efforts to support Guard and Reserve service members and their employers.”
Since joining ESGR as a volunteer in 2017, Aquino has played a key role in the committee’s success, including securing dedicated ESGR office space during her time working with then-Mayor Apatang. She is also an active volunteer in various civic and nonprofit organizations throughout the CNMI.
Beyond her professional contributions, Aquino is a devoted mother, grandmother, and wife to Rep. Daniel Iwashita Aquino, a U.S. military veteran.
Reflecting on her appointment, Joann Aquino said: “It is an honor to take on this role and contribute to ESGR’s mission of supporting our service members and their families. I look forward to working with employers and the community to foster understanding, collaboration, and resilience in the CNMI.”
The Guam-CNMI ESGR Committee said it “enthusiastically welcomes” Joann Aquino to her new position and looks forward to her leadership in advancing its goals and objectives across the CNMI. Her dedication and expertise will undoubtedly strengthen ESGR’s impact on the local community, the committee added.
About ESGR
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense program established to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component service members and their civilian employers. ESGR provides free education, consultation, and conflict mediation services to support service members and their employers.
