By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE Commonwealth Cannabis Commission is hiring Office of the Governor Communications and Policy Advisor John Oliver “Bolis” DLR Gonzales as its new managing director.
Commission board member Jose B. Palacios said in an interview on Wednesday that Gonzales topped the four other applicants for the position when the commission conducted the civil service hiring process, including the Rule of Five selection, following the resignation of Managing Director Mikioti Evangelista on April 1, 2025.
Palacios said the commission made the vacancy announcement in June, July, and August. In the first announcement, only two applicants submitted applications, and in the second announcement, three applied for the position. The commission, he said, created an eligibility list noting that the managing director is a civil service position.
In its third vacancy announcement, Palacios said, five eligible applicants submitted applications, and after the interviews, Gonzales came out on top. The commission offered the position to Gonzales, who accepted the offer, Palacios said.
Palacios added that Gonzales’s salary will be $10,000 less than what he currently receives as the governor’s communications and policy advisor. Gonzales was appointed to that post in May 2025 by then-Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.
Gonzales wrote Gov. David M. Apatang a letter two weeks ago, saying that “serving under both your and the late Governor Arnold Palacios’ leadership has been one of the most gratifying honors of my professional life.”
“I have learned so much from your example of steady guidance, humility, and unquestionable commitment to our people. Your trust and encouragement have allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, for which I will always be grateful,” Gonzales said.
He thanked Apatang for his confidence, mentorship, and graciousness, adding, “It truly has been a privilege to serve alongside you. Please know I will keep you in my prayers as you lead with faith.”
In related news, Jose Palacios said the Cannabis Commission is now down to three members: Chairwoman Journie M. Hofschneider of Tinian, Commissioner Joseph S. Rios Jr. of Saipan, and Palacios himself, also of Saipan.
Commissioner Thomas L. Songsong of Rota completed his two four-year terms last month, while Juan T. Iguel, who represented the Northern Islands, resigned in July and has since moved to the U.S. mainland.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
