Former Rotary Club of Saipan president Michael Pai will replace Public Auditor Michael Sablan who will return to the private sector after nearly eight years as OPA’s chief. (See story on page 9)
Pai will serve as the acting public auditor until both houses of the Legislature confirm his appointment.
The governor said Pai holds an engineering degree from the University of Hawaii but is also a U.S. certified public accountant for more than 20 years.
“I have very high confidence in Mike’s high level of independence and integrity for this position,” said Fitial in a statement. “Mike has an immaculate background and I expect him to bring more accountability and internal cost controls to our government.”
Pai accepted the governor’s offer on Tuesday, saying, “I consider it an honor. Thank you for the offer. I am happy to accept.”
Before serving as a sole proprietor for his own accounting firm, Pai worked for a number of corporations and an accounting firm, including the Hawaiian Telephone Co., the Micronesian Telecommunications Corp., and Ernst & Young.
He is also very active in the local community.
Attorney General Matthew T. Gregory, who works very closely with OPA, also vouched for Pai’s character.
“I am very excited about working with our new public auditor,” said Gregory.
