Hofschneider, who was appointed by Saipan Mayor Donal G. Flores, was at the SHEFA office yesterday to familiarize himself with the program and its operations.
He said the mayor was in a “hurry to help the board which is also in dire need of assistance.”
The mayor is still working to complete the process for Hofschneider’s appointment so he can officially begin at his new job, Variety learned.
Hofschneider said he will be working closely with the Department of Finance and the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation for the smooth implementation of the scholarship program.
Last month, Hofschneider left NMC where he served as the chief financial and administrative officer.
He said getting the SHEFA job was not the reason why he left the college.
“I left NMC because I need time for myself and family and also for my health,” he told Variety.
In an email, NMC interim President Lorraine T. Cabrera said Hofschneider, “in his capacity as chief financial and administrative officer, has made significant contributions that have made a positive impact at the college.”
“On behalf of the college community, I want to thank Henry for his commitment and dedication to NMC,” Cabrera said. “We wish him well in all his future endeavors.”
Hofschneider said he has met some SHEFA board members, including chairman Jose C. Mafnas.
He said he wants to know the financial situation of SHEFA, adding that he is aware that the program “has a lot of challenges.”
He said although his work for SHEFA is somewhat similar with his tasks at NMC, the “workload is tremendous and demanding” at the college.
The SHEFA program is funded by poker fee collections, which have been declining due to the worsening local economy.
