Speaker Bios

John Anderson

Loan Officer, Director of Public Relations Bridge Capital CNMI

Jon Anderson is a longtime resident of the Mariana Islands and Guam. For most of the time he has been in the islands he worked in broadcast media, as a radio and television talk show host and journalist.

Anderson joined Bridge Capital, LLC one year ago as a loan officer. He represents John K. Baldwin, the Managing Partner of Bridge Capital, at this year's conference. The company is based in the CNMI.

David F. Bice

Executive Director, Joint Guam Program Office

Mr. Bice was appointed Executive Director, Joint Guam Program Office in January 2007. In this position, Mr. Bice is responsible for all planning, integration of the Department of Defense infrastructure capabilities, master plan development, program and budget synchronization, construction oversight, government and business coordination, and strategic communications for the realignment of military forces to Guam.

Mr. Bice has extensive operational experience in the Pacific region and a strong record in military facilities development and base operations. A retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General, Mr. Bice led Marine forces at every level of command throughout the Pacific from platoon to division level, including the 3D Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan. He commanded Marine Corps Base, Hawaii and Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California, the largest base in the Marine Corps. Following his retirement from the Marine Corps in 2002, Mr. Bice worked as an international defense consultant in Eastern Europe. He returned to active duty in 2004 in support of the Global War on Terror and served as the Inspector General of the Marine Corps until January 2007.

Anthony C. Blaz

Acting Administrator, Guam Economic Development and Commerce Authority

On March 12, 2007 Anthony “Tony” Blaz was appointed by the Governor of Guam to the position of Acting Administrator for the Guam Economic Development and Commerce Authority where he oversees the agency’s various programs and activities focused on developing new and emerging industry’s in order to diversify and foster growth in Guam’s economic base.

In addition, as the GEDCA Administrator Tony also oversees and directs policies related to capital financing and debt management activities for the government of Guam. He participates and organizes committees formulated to address the financial needs of a particular entity of the government of Guam, or the government of Guam in its entirety and is part of Governor Camacho’s Fiscal Recovery Team.

Tony’s experience in the government of Guam spans over 20 years. He was a 5-term Senator in the 21st through the 25th Guam Legislature holding the position of Vice Speaker in the 24th legislature and as Chairman of the Committee on Finance & Taxation. Prior to becoming a Senator, he has also held various management positions within the government of Guam including assignments as the Chief Officer from 1987-1990 for the Public Utilities Agency of Guam, the predecessor for the Guam Waterworks Authority. He was involved and held Executive Board level positions as Chairman for the Guam Election Commission and as board of Director for the Government of Guam Retirement Fund.

Tony earned his Bachelors of Administration degree in accountancy with a minor in management in 1980 from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana and holds a Masters in public Administration from the University of Guam.

Larry Bruton

First came to Micronesia in 1970 with the US Navy, stationed at (then known as) Naval Communications Station, Guam. He met his late wife, Flavia Mida, from Chuuk, who was a student at the University of Guam at that time.

He earned a BA degree from Baylor University, Waco, Texas, in Journalism/Communications

Formerly a high school classroom teacher of journalism and math and later a federal program writer and manager with the US Trust Territory Government, Larry and his late-wife first went into business in Chuuk in 1975 by starting a photography studio and laboratory within their home doing passport pictures, historical documentation and special assignments for FEMA, Red Cross, and whomever.

The Brutons quickly learned that survival in the remote islands of Micronesia would require business diversity so they pursued other business interests by operating a small bakery, and later a building supplies store. Gradually they worked themselves into office supplies, small construction projects, and quite literally – anything that would fit their interests and needs for survival and their aspirations for a lifestyle of comfort and satisfaction. However, Larry is quick to admit that his lifestyle of comfort hasn’t amounted to anything fancy by “Western Standards” but has gained much satisfaction from his experiences over the past decades living and working in Micronesia. He currently focuses on alternative energy solutions with a small store on the island of Weno, Chuuk, and is director of a hyperbaric treatment facility on that same island where he treats divers that acquire decompression illness.

He is remarried to Iromy Kony Bruton, has four grown children and 12 grandchildren.

TOVA HAREL BORNOVSKI

Fish 'N Fins Palau; Owner, Ocean Hunter I and II; President, Micronesian Shark Foundation

NATIONALITY: Citizen of Israel, resident of Palau since 1993.

LANGUAGES: Hebrew, English, German, Spanish, French and conversational Palauan.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
TOURISM BACKGROUND IN ISRAEL 1977-1992.
TOURISM STUDIES 1980-1982.
JOURNALIST FOR MAARIV ISRAELI DAILY 1992-1995.
OWNER AND GENERAL MANAGER OF: Ocean Hunter I since 1992.
GENERAL MANAGER OF: Fish ‘n Fins Dive shop since 1998.
OWNER AND GENERAL MANAGER OF: Ocean Hunter II since 2003.
PRESIDENT OF: MICRONESIAN SHARK FOUNDATION since 2003.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT:
Funding and organizing Pilot acoustic tagging Shark Research Shark in Palau with Dr. P. Lobel from Boston University 2003-2005.
Collecting DNA samples 2004-2007.
Supporting National Geographic Team 1994.
Supporting National Geographic Team 1998.
Supporting National Geographic Team 2000.
Supporting National Geographic TV 2004-2005.
Supporting History Channel 2005.
Shark Week Event: 2003-2007.
Palau Rock Islands Cleanups organizing with community and educational recycling methods 1999-2007.
Trash Management pioneer in Palau since 2000.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT:
Board member of Belau Tourism Association since 1998
President of Belau Tourism Association 2006.
Chair person of marketing committee since 2000.
Sponsor and Administrative Director of Micronesian Islands Shark Data Collecting Project 2007.
Shark Week Event: 2003-2007.
Wrexpedition Event: 2002-2007.
Trash Management Project: 2000-2007.

PUBLICATIONS:
MAARIV(ISRAELI DAILY) JOURNALIST FROM 1992-1995.
SHORT STORIES FROM SMALL ISLANDS, ISBN 982-00-0099-8, published 2005.
TASTE OF RAINBOW’S END, ISBN978-982-98003-2-9, published 2005.

Cecelia T. Burrill

Campus President, Argosy University Hawai'i

Academic Preparation

Doctor of Education - Counseling Psychology - Argosy University/Sarasota, Sarasota, FL 2001
Dissertation Title, “Characteristics of Nontraditional Students in Nontraditional Graduate Programs”
Master of Arts - Clinical Psychology - Georgia School of Professional Psychology, Atlanta, GA 1994
Bachelor of Arts - Biblical Education - Lee University - Cleveland, TN 1992

Professional Experience

CAMPUS PRESIDENT Argosy University/Hawai‘i
Honolulu, Hawai‘i April 2005-Present

Financial Responsibilities: Responsible for the overall financial performance, condition, and viability of the campus. Create and review forecasts and propose capital expenditures; approve departmental budgets and supervise preparation of financial reports.

Academic: Ensure that both faculty and academic management are hired with the appropriate credentials, knowledge, skill, and experience to meet the needs of the academic programs. Focus on student retention by effective management of the academic programs, support activities, and resources.

Leadership: Develop and implement short-term and long-term strategic plans which are consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Argosy University. Facilitate campus growth by creating, implementing and balancing campus initiatives designed to increase new student enrollments. Hire and train effective management team.

INTERIM CAMPUS PRESIDENT Argosy University/Atlanta/Savannah/Nashville
Atlanta, Georgia Nov. 2004-July 2005

DEPARTMENT HEAD Master of Arts in Professional Counseling Feb. 2002-present
Argosy University/Atlanta/ - Atlanta, Georgia

Financial Responsibilities: Develop and manage budget for the Professional Counseling program, and serve on the budget committee for the Atlanta, Savannah, and Nashville campuses.

Leadership: Recruit, employ, and supervise over 80 diverse licensed and expert faculty and staff. Provide in-service training for faculty improvement and continuous staff development. Complete performance evaluations with each full-time faculty and staff member. Serve as acting president in the absence of current president.

Student Enrollment: Manage the growth of the professional counseling program from under 20 students to over 500 graduate students. Evaluate student persistence and implement measures to reduce attrition.

Accreditation: Chair focused accreditation review for Argosy University/Atlanta including writing of self-study, site visit preparation, and mock visit for Washington, D.C. campus. Represented Argosy University/Atlanta at the regional accreditation conference for the Higher Learning Commission.

Administration: Perform duties including: projecting department enrollments, scheduling, class coordination, and curriculum review. Participate in administrative cabinet meetings to problem-solve current issues important to improve the overall operation of the campus. Conducted space analysis for the Atlanta campus to ensure efficient utilization.

Development of New Programs and Sites: Assist in the development and implementation of non-traditional master’s program in Nashville and Savannah. Network with mental health agencies and community settings to establish rapport. Conduct informational meetings with prospective students and potential faculty.

Program and Curriculum Development: Direct the development of a student-oriented experiential curriculum including course outcomes, rubrics, and delivery formats. Conduct annual department reviews to assess student learning and programmatic effectiveness.

Recruitment and Admissions: Assist in planning and marketing to increase enrollment. Review and evaluate prospective students seeking admission. Made admission decisions. Coordinate and conduct new student orientations in all three campuses. Designed a PowerPoint presentation for enrollment services personnel to utilize during information sessions.

Teaching Experience: Teach psychology and education courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Master of Arts in Professional Counseling 1997-Feb. 2002
Argosy University/Atlanta Campus - Atlanta, Georgia

Student Training: Developed training relationships with appropriate mental health agencies for students to complete practicum in accordance with current educational and professional standards. Placed approximately 150 students (for two campuses) at practicum sites each year. Conducted annual evaluation of practicum sites, including updating records of training opportunities and supervision. Coordinated and supervised practicum placement process. Monitored student progress and practicum sites. Tracked and recorded student’s progress in seminars and performance on Clinical Competency Evaluations.

Appoint Seminar Leaders: Hired licensed practitioners to consult with students as well as monitored overall student progress in the practicum. Developed a course curriculum for students with a focus on areas of diversity, developmental, ethical and theoretical issues. Aided in the maintenance of a valuable and informative seminar for students. Assisted seminar leaders when problems arose at the site or with the student.

Website Development: Assisted in the development of a website that students could access student services forms, practicum site descriptions, important announcements, syllabi, licensing information, and job postings. Assisted in the development of an on-line practicum seminar for students that live too far from the campus to attend weekly meetings.

Supervision: Supervised the Site Coordinators at the extended classroom sites, the Program Coordinator and part-time assistants.

Academic Advisor: Provided academic advisement and planning for individual students with a focus on continuous enrollment and retention. Tracked student progression through program. Evaluated each student after the core courses to ensure academic proficiency. Advised each student before practicum placement to provide the best match for each student with the preferred practicum site.

PROGRAM COORDINATOR Master of Arts in Psychology, Professional Counseling Specialty, Argosy University/Atlanta Campus - Atlanta, Georgia 1993-1997

Scheduling: Set course schedules and class dates for a cohort-based program. Constructed calendar of courses three years in advance.

Hiring Faculty: Hired faculty to teach courses. Designed and maintained faculty teaching schedule.

Academic Advisor: Provided academic advisement and planning for individual students. Tracked student progression through program.

Admissions: Reviewed and evaluated prospective students seeking admission. Made admission decisions. Coordinated and conducted new student orientation.

Recruitment/Enrollment Management: Managed and conducted student recruitment and enrollment sessions. Answered prospective student inquires.

Presentations and Publications

“Plagiarism and the Use of Turn-it-in as a Plagiarism Detection Tool”
2003 Argosy Academic Conference, Washington, D.C.

“A Closer Look at Admissions Requirements for Nontraditional Graduate Students: The Quest for Greater Persistence”
2003 Argosy Academic Conference, Washington, D.C.

“Creating and Evaluating the Teaching Alliance Inventory” (awaiting publication)
This empirical research study has attempted to correlate the relationships between faculty and students with student self-efficacy. In process of writing the article to submit for journal publication

“Attrition and Retention of Nontraditional Graduate Students” (Current Research)
This is a continuation of my doctoral dissertation in which I have continued to gather data for a deeper analysis of the problem of attrition. Plan to submit for journal publication.

Site Facilitator - American Psychological Association June 1994 “Highlights of the DSM-IV" - Videoconference
Organized local program-related activities; registered attendees; distributed handouts/evaluations forms; telephone interaction; and provided feedback to APA.

Committees and Memberships

Campus Chair for regional accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission (2003-2005)
Campus-Based Student Appeals Committee (2003-2005)
University-Wide Argosy Academic Council (2002-2005)
Institutional academic governance and policy-coordinating group composed of at least 13 members. Council reviews changes to current curricula and proposals for new curricula from an academic point of view.
Departmental Student Evaluation Committee and Training Committee Member (2003-2005)
Monitor the professional, academic and clinical progress of individual students with the Counseling Program.
Campus-Based Executive Council Member (2003-2005)
Council organized to assist in campus goal setting, programming, marketing, and strategic planning.
Campus-Based Student Conduct Committee Member (2003-2005)
Committee responsible for investigating allegations of ethical conduct violations, plagiarism or failure to meet University Professional Standards.
Chairperson – Advisory Board, The Phoenix Program for Adolescents (2002-2004)
Responsible for setting meeting agenda and leading meetings for an advisory board design to evaluate programs, improve client services and educate the community about the program.
Faculty Advisor, Student Cabinet

c.l. chesire

Pacific Business Center Program

Dr. C.L. Cheshire has been with the Pacific Business since 1996. Dr. Cheshire serves clients in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands and has worked on special projects in the Republic of Palau and American Samoa. He travels regularly to these islands to create opportunities for
business development by linking University of Hawaii resources and technical expertise with government agencies and with individuals starting up or expanding their businesses. Prior to coming to the Pacific Business Center at UH, Dr. Cheshire was the Director of the Economic Development Center for the University of Alaska Southeast, in Ketchikan Alaska from 1987 to 1995. Dr.
Cheshire received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin Madison and his M.A. from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

Curtis S. Chin

U. S. Executive Director to the Asian Development Bank

President George W. Bush nominated Curtis S. Chin to be the 12th U.S. Executive Director to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with the rank of ambassador, in September 2006. Confirmed to the position by unanimous consent of the United States Senate in March 2007, Ambassador Chin was sworn into office by Secretary of the Treasury Henry M. Paulson, Jr. on April 25, 2007.

As the United States’ senior representative at Asian Development Bank headquarters in Manila, Philippines, Ambassador Chin serves on the Board of Directors of the multi-lateral development bank. The 12-person board supervises ADB's financial statements, approves its administrative budget, and reviews and approves all policy documents and all loan, equity, and technical assistance operations. Established in 1966, the ADB is dedicated to increasing economic growth and reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region.

Previously, Mr. Chin served as a managing director with Burson-Marsteller where he worked in various capacities, focusing most recently on such issues as corporate responsibility, stakeholder engagement and public-private sector partnerships. He has lived and worked throughout the United States and Asia, including postings in Beijing, Hong Kong and Tokyo. He previously served on the Department of State’s Advisory Committee on Cultural Diplomacy, and during the George H.W. Bush Administration served as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of Commerce.

Mr. Chin graduated from Northwestern University with a B. S. in Journalism and a department major in economics. He received an M. A. in Public and Private Management from the Yale University School of Management.

Joseph M. Diego

Area Director, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Joe Diego is the Area Director for the Western Pacific Region for the USDA Rural Development. He started his career with USDA in 1995 as Community Development Manager for the Dededo Local Office. In 1998, Joe was reassigned to the Hawaii State Office in Hilo, Hawaii, where he assumed the position of a Business Program Specialist. During his 3-year tenure at the Hawaii State Office, Joe processed over $86 million in business program loan guarantees for businesses in Hawaii, American Samoa and the Western Pacific. He returned to Guam in March 2001 where he is currently serving in his present capacity as the Area Director for the Western Pacific.

Under his leadership, the Western Pacific has received over $135 million in loans and grants related to housing, infrastructure, business development and community facilities since 2004. This includes over $70 million in housing assistance for first-time homeowners; $13.5 million for the University of Guam to build a new college; and $17.5 million to assist the Port Authority of Guam purchase new equipment.

Prior to joining USDA, Joe was employed as a cabinet member for the Government of Guam from 1992 to 1994. From 1987 to 1992, he worked at the Bank of Guam where he served in various supervisory and management positions.

Joe is a 1982 graduate of Father Duenas Memorial High School. He attended the University of Portland where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in both Marketing and Management.

John Heather

Senior Partner, Isla Solutions Tourism Consulting

John Heather is the senior partner of Isla Solutions Tourism Consulting based in Phoenix, Arizona. Over the last few years he has consulted for USAID in Mongolia and Sri Lanka, opened a luxury, fly-in lodge in the Arizona mountains, and became travel editor for Phoenix’s West Valley Magazine.

John’s tourism career on Guam began in 1988 as project development manager for DFS tasked with developing public-private partnerships to further the tourism industry, as well as assisting in the development of the DFS Tumon Galleria and other new retail outlets. In 1991, he became an independent tourism consultant contracted to create and manage the Guam Visitors Bureau research department. John took an active role with the Micronesian Chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, holding various board positions, and ultimately becoming the chapter’s vice chairman. In 1995, he purchased a resortwear wholesaling company with sales throughout the region. From 1997 to 2001, John developed and taught 13 tourism courses at the University of Guam, eventually becoming the first chairman of the International Tourism Department and director of the International Business & Tourism Institute.

John is currently working on two innovative tourism websites: GeocacheTourism.com, a destination adventure treasure hunt using handheld GPS navigation systems; and, TourismROI.com, soon to become the “world’s foremost tourism investment promotion website.” John received his master of international management degree from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, and is an avid writer, backpacker, tennis player and PADI-certified dive master.

Harry Jackson

President, OCEES International

Harry Jackson joined OCEES in Jan 2007 and has extensive background in large project development, financing, operations and management. Before joining the OCEES team, Harry was the Vice President and Asset Manager for Actus Lend Lease LLC (Actus) in Hawaii, a global leader in community development. He was responsible for overseeing the operations and financial management for the Department of Defense’s largest military family housing privatization project which is located in Hawaii, valued at $2.3B for the initial 10 year development period of the 50 year project. Responsibilities included serving as the senior executive on the project, representing Actus as well as serving as a key link between the project and local government, military partner and key stakeholders. Harry provided the project management expertise to write the proposal, develop and implement the project’s community planning to include engineering plans, designs, contract management, renewable energy programs, construction oversight and other initiatives. Duties also included the start-up, hiring, training and management of a 270+ staff servicing a community of more than 25,000 people.

Before his work with Actus Lend Lease, Harry worked for four years providing his expertise for the Navy Quality of Life (QOL) Facility Program at the Pacific Fleet Headquarters at Pearl Harbor. Projects for QOL facilities included project design, construction and operations. During is tenure, he also developed a $150M Housing Master Plan for Guam Naval Region to construct housing and QOL facilities for approximately 1,000 single sailors, government project financing and much more.

As president of OCEES, Harry is responsible for providing the leadership, motivation, support and commitment to position the company as the global leader in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) project development and operations. Responsibilities also include developing additional energy efficient opportunities in related technologies such as Seawater District Cooling (SDC) A/C, Waste Heat applications, Hydrogen Production/Transportation, Aquaculture, and other renewable energy disciplines. OCEES maintains strong environmental awareness and continuously looks for opportunities to interact and support local communities, educational systems and legislative initiatives.

Harry is a West Point graduate, having received his Bachelor of Science Degree, Engineering, from the United States Military Academy in 1983 and had served in the Army until 1993. He moved to Hawaii in 1993 and is also very active in outdoor sports and supporting local youth organizations and other community programs.

CASEY JESZENKA

Network Director, Pacific Islands Small Business Development Center Network

Casey Jeszenka has been the Network Director of the Pacific Islands Small Business Development Center Network (PISBDCN) for the past five years. Within his responsibilities are overseeing the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) in Guam, Yap, Chuuk, RMI, Palau and Kosrae. The SBDCs are a delivery service of management, technical and training assistance to small business in part funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). They are designed to foster the development of small business as defined by the SBA. The service centers provide broad based management and technical assistance to persons who are ready to start a business and people who are already in business in the areas of business counseling, technical assistance, training, information gathering and dissemination and advocacy.

Before taking the PISBDCN Network Director’s position, he was the Special Projects Director for PISBDCN in charge of starting the centers in Chuuk, RMI, Palau and Kosrae. Prior to working for PISBDCN, Casey was a SBDC Director for five counties in Western Montana. Casey was born and raised in Missoula, Montana. He attended the University of Montana were he achieved a dual emphasis bachelors degree in Finance and Management with a minor in Economics. After obtaining his bachelors degree, Casey went on to obtain an MBA from the University of Montana.

Gerald S. Koenig

Director of US Government Relations & Assistant General Counsel
OCEES International, Inc.

Gerald Koenig is Director of US Government Relations & Assistant General Counsel for OCEES International, Inc., a renewable energy company specializing in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology and systems. Prior to joining OCEES, he was an executive with a financial services firm that specialized in government contract financing and project development. Mr. Koenig is an experienced international business attorney and has practiced in a major Washington DC law firm as well as in-house counsel, specializing in government contracting, aviation and information technology. He also was president of a major aviation company with a client base of over eighty international airlines, leasing companies, and Federal agencies. A graduate of West Point, he served as an Army helicopter pilot before leaving the military to serve on the Reagan White House staff, in the office of Secretary of Defense Cheney in the first Bush Administration and on President Reagan’s staff in California.

Lynn A. Knight

Chairwoman, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands

Lynn A. Knight is the chairwoman of the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands – a position she first was elected to in 2004 by Saipan’s hotel executives. She has been a resident of the islands for the past 21 years. Ms. Knight is the vice president of corporate affairs for Tan Holdings, a diverse group of companies in the Western Pacific. For the company, she also manages the Century Hotel on Saipan and is part of the team management of Asia Pacific Hotels, which includes Century, the Fiesta Resort Guam, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan and Saipan Grand Hotel.

During her 26-year career, Lynn has been active in community service. She currently serves on the CNMI Governor’s Tourism Task Force for Japan, the CNMI’s Civilian Military Task Force, and the Strategic Economic Development Council. She chairs the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Niche Marketing Committee and was the president of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce in the year 2000. Prior to joining Tan Holdings in 2001, for 14 years Lynn owned her own small business on, Sunset Advertising Group, Inc., a company she founded in 1987 on Saipan.

Agnes Manglona McPhetres

Pacific RIM

Education
“Diploma, Mt Carmel High School, 1960
“B.A. Social Studies and Secondary Education, College of St. Mary, Omaha, NB, 1971,
“M.A .Supervision and Administration, San Jose State University, CA, 1981
“Certificate in Social Planning, United Nations Asian Development Institute, Bangkok, Thailand, 1978

Experience
“Small business owner, 2006 to present
“Education and Management Consultant, PAC RIM Group, 1999-2006
“President of Northern Marianas College – 1983 – 1999
“Associate Superintendent of Education for CNMI – 1980 – 1983
“Commissioner, CNMI-US Commission on Federal Laws – Appointed by President Carter 1980 – 1983
“Consultant, CNMI, Vocational Education Advisory Council, Head-Start Pacific Training Office, and Region IX Head-Start Consolidated Management Review Team – 1978 – 1979
“Researcher/Federal Program Analyst, Office of Transition Studies and Planning (OTSP) – 1977 – 1978
“Assistant Director of Education, Department of Education, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI) – 1974 – 1977
“Human Resources Officer , Department of Education, TTPI, 1972 – 1974
“Principal, St Cecilia School, Chuck, Moen , TTPI, 1971 - 1972

“Major Community Activities & Membership
“Member, Rotary Club of Saipan, President Elect.
“Member, Connecting Families
“Member, Health Care Services Committee in the U.S. Associated Pacific Basin, “Institute of Medicine, Washington, D.C.
“Member, Accrediting Association for Community and Junior Colleges, Western “Association of School and Colleges, CA
“Member & Officer, Pacific Post Secondary Education Council (PPEC), Pacific Region
“Coordinated Region IX Economic Development Conference, U.S. Department of “Commerce
“Chair & Member, CNMI Humanity Council
“Board of Directors, Council for the Advancement of Pacific Education
“Chairperson and Delegate to the National Women’s Year Convention, Houston, TX
“Chair and Delegate to White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals, Washington, DC
“Member, Saipan Women Association

Major Accomplishments
“1980 –Led a successful popular initiative to defeat the law that established casino gambling in the CNMI
“1981 – Instrumental in the establishment of Northern Marianas College, accredited since 1985
“1982 – Instrumental in the establishment of the Pacific Post Secondary Education Council (PPEC) – A Council for Pacific U.S. affiliated institutions of higher education and the University of Hawaii Community College System, composed of Presidents and Chairs of Board of Regents
“1984 - Instrumental in the development of a Pacific-based educational laboratory, eventually leading to the establishment of PREL
“1985 – Convinced the CNMI Constitution Convention Delegates to provide for NMC autonomy, which let to Constitutional Amendment 38 Section 2; adopted by the people of the CNMI in 1986
“1987 – Successful in obtaining Congress designation of NMC as a Land Grant Institution
“1995 – Instrument in the development of the NMC College Lab School, the establishment of the NMC School of Education and its accreditation, in 2001, to offer a baccalaureate degree in teacher education
“1996 - Successful in obtaining a $3M endowment for NMC from the U.S. Congress
“1997 – Instrumental in defeating Constitutional Amendment 13, which proposed to repeal Constitutional Amendment 38

Publication
“Boot-Strap – Establishment and Development of Northern Marianas College”
“Competencies of School Superintendent in Micronesia”
“Higher Education and Economic Development”
“Establishment an Maintaining Pacific Island Linkages”
“Education 2000”
“Role of Education in the Business Community”
“Federal Programs Available to the Northern Marianas Government”
“Teachers as Front Liners”
“Prospect, Northern Mariana Islands”
“Role of Education in Creating Change”

Murukesan Krishnapillai

Researcher, USDA, AES-Land Grant Program

Murukesan Krishnapillai is a Researcher with Cooperative Research and Extension Program of College of Micronesia-FSM. He currently heads the Agricultural Experiment Station at Yap Campus and is responsible for agriculture and environment related research. He has been with the College for the past six years and involved in 8 federally funded projects in agriculture or environment.

With broad base of experience and formal training in environmental management, Dr Muru has worked as an Environment Consultant in the Republic of Seychelles between 1998 and 2000, where he was actively involved in environmental projects, bioengineering and coastal zone management.

Prior to his assignment in Seychelles, he worked as an academic, first as Research Fellow and later as Assistant Professor with the M.S. University of Baroda in India between 1986 and 1998. During this tenure he was associated with Gujarat Ecology Commission in their World Bank funded Biodiversity Project.

Dr Muru is a recipient of Princess and Princess of Wales of Science Award from the Royal Society of New Zealand and served New Zealand Forest Research Institute in 1992 as a Visiting Scientist. In 1993, he spent three months with Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala and carried out research on Short Rotation Energy Forestry Program on an award from Swedish-Canadian Project.

He is currently a member of the Ecological Society of America and International Society for Ecology. He is also an active member of the International Scientific Council for Island Development (INSULA), a NGO associated with UNESCO in Paris. By its actions, INSULA contributes to the economic, social, and cultural progress of islands throughout the world as well as to the protection of island environment and the sustainable development for their resources.

Dr Muru holds a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Kerala, Masters from M.G. University, PhD from the M.S. University of Baroda, Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Education and Management from University of Hyderabad and a Diploma in Professional Landscape Designing from Professional Career Development Institute, Georgia. He is a certified ISO 14000 Environmental Management Systems Internal Auditor. Recently, his name featured in ‘The Marquis Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, Ninth Edition 2006-2007.

Dr Muru is married to Archana, a librarian in profession and has a lovely 10 year-old daughter Parvathy.

Tony Neil

Executive Director, Pacific Power Association

Tony Neil completed his formal education in Australia with a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Electrical Engineering. He has also completed a number of post graduate courses in both technical and management areas.

He has spent more than thirty years in a number of power utilities in Australia as an engineer at all levels and then as a Senior Executive. His field of employment during this period was in the areas of generation, transmission, distribution, operations and utility reform in power utilities ranging in size from 2,700 - 10,000MW. During this career Mr. Neil was also responsible for the operations of a 660MW hydroelectric power system in the Snowy Mountains of Australia.

Mr. Neil furthered his career by accepting a secondment to Papua New Guinea for three years to assist their power utility, as a Senior Executive, in the areas of project management, transmission planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance, under an agreement between the governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Towards the latter period of his career he established his own consulting company where he was instrumental in effecting ‘twinning’ (Buddy) relationships with a number of power utilities in the Pacific Islands and utilities in Australia. During this period he was the project director for a major Australian Aid project in the Pacific Island Country of Kiribati in the power sector.

In 1998, Mr. Neil became the Executive Director of the Pacific Power Association where he has established a number of progressive programs directed at improving utility performance, including capacity building, performance benchmarking and supply side management involving twenty-four (24) Pacific Island Power Utilities. Mr. Neil was effective in achieving funding for these key projects from the USDOI, the Government of France and the European Union.

In 2006, Mr. Neil was responsible to the USDOI, Office of Insular Affairs for two key projects, the “US Insular Areas Power Line Security Study and Report; and the “US Insular Areas Energy Assessment” Study and Report. These projects form part of the US Insular Energy Provision of the US Energy Act 2005.

MARY A.Y. OKADA

President, Guam Community College

As Guam Community College’s first woman president, Mary Ann Young Okada took the helm of the college on June 18, 2007. Prior to serving as GCC’s President/CEO, Okada held the position of Vice President of Financial Affairs at GCC from August 2005 to June 2007. While serving as the college’s VP of Financial Affairs, Controller and General Accounting Supervisor – Okada was instrumental in receiving, for the sixth-consecutive fiscal year, the qualified status as a low risk auditee, as there were no questioned costs or unresolved prior year audit findings. Guam Community College has consistently been commended in the private and public sectors as one of the best financially run organizations in the entire Government of Guam system. In addition to her career at GCC, Okada held the position of Comptroller at Guam Public School System; Finance Manager with Pacific Western Enterprises; and various other financial positions with PayLess Markets Inc.

Okada received her Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting and Management from the University of Guam in 1988; a Masters Degree in Public Administration in 1997 from the University of Guam; and is currently a Doctoral Student in Educational Leadership with the University of Phoenix.

Maria Pangelinan

Senator, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Maria has been an entrepreneur for over 17 years. She has founded and continues to manage businesses in real estate, retail sales, marketing and services. She has also held a variety of positions in the government. She has experience in multiple disciplines, business operations, marketing, commerce, public health, finance, and is currently serving as the first female Senator in the Northern Marianas.

She is also a volunteer, supporting many community projects and women’s programs.

She served as a Special Representatives to the Governor in the Covenant Section 902 Negotiation and was a Delegate to the Second Constitutional Convention.

She was an Advisory Panel Member for the Office of Technology Assessment, U.S. Congress, providing input and guidance in preparing the 1987 report, Integrated Renewable Resource Management for U.S. Insular Areas.

She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Guam, and a Master’s Certificate in Public Health from the University of Hawaii.

Faleseu Eliu Paopao

Director of Commerce, American Samoa

Faleseu Eliu Paopao was appointed by Governor Togiola TA Tulafono and confirmed by the American Samoa Legislature as the Director of the American Samoa Government Department of Commerce in 2004.

Mr. Paopao comes to ASG DOC with a strong background in public administration and program management. The Department of Commerce is responsible for the management of economic development and environmental protection for the Territory of American Samoa. Our department is comprised of six divisions, each with specific missions and goals that contribute to the overall mandate of the department. As the head of an agency charged with managing a $5 million annual budget in local and federal funds for economic development and environmental protection programs within the Territory, his familiarity with the Samoan culture and his leadership skills at state and local levels serve him well.

Mr. Paopao was born in Fitiuta, Manu’atele, and grew up on both islands of Tutuila and Manu’atele. He and his wife currently reside in the village of Nu’uuli in the Western District of Tutuila. He is the proud patriarch of a growing family, with 5 children and 5 grandchildren. He graduated from the High School of American Samoa (currently Samoana High School) in 1965, and went on to attain his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Political Science at Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska. In 1975, Mr. Paopao attained a master’s degree at Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah) in Secondary School Administration. He has been a long time member of the District of Columbia Association of Government Accountants since 1987. In the past 41 years of public service, Mr. Paopao has held top posts at various ASG agencies such as the Department of Treasury, the American Samoa Department of Education, the Office of Program Planning & Budget, Human Resources, Department of Health, Department of Administrative Services, the Territorial Emergency Management Planning Office, and the High Court of American Samoa. Mr. Paopao also served in the private CPA firm, Touch Ross.

Mr. Paopao is well aware of the economic potential the Territory currently possesses, and is very hopeful that the “win-win” opportunities highlighted by the Secretary of the Interior's 2004 Conference on Business Opportunities in the Islands, held in Los Angeles, will begin to materialize through the 2006 Conference on Business Opportunities in the Islands in Honolulu. The marked events during this Mission will emphasize business opportunities available in American Samoa that could benefit the islands and the mainland, and will give participants a chance to explore the splendor and uniqueness of American Samoa and its people.

Anthony Pellegrino

President, Saipan Aquaculture Company

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Education, 1954, Kutztown State Teachers College
Master of Arts in Liberal Arts, 1958, Temple University

Education experience:
Public School Teacher for 12 years.
a.Six years in the United States and six years in Japan
b.Four years instructor: University of Maryland, Japan Department

Former President of the Small Business Associate in Hawaii
Former Chairman and Director of the CNMI School Board
Former President of the Chamber of Commerce

Businessman in Japan for 12 years
Started, owned and operated 3 businesses.

Businessman in Hawaii for 10 years.
Started, owned and operated 2 businesses.

Businessman in Saipan since 1984.
Currently own and operate:
Saipan Sea Ventures, Inc, boat operation in tourism
Saipan Ice and Water Co., Inc., processed drinking water and ice
Hafi Dai Home Trade Co., Inc. trading company
Saipan Aquaculture Inc. shrimp farming

L. Carl Peterson

Armed Forces Committee Chairman, Guam Chamber of Commerce

L. Carl Peterson is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) by profession and the President and founder of Money Resources Inc. Over the past 42 years he has been consistently recognized as one of the top financial advisors in the country. He is particularly known for his work with high income, high net worth individuals and the complex planning problems they face.

Aside from being a CFP he has a Masters in Financial Services (MSFS). Recently he became the first CRPC (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) on Guam. Mr. Peterson is also a charter member of the International Association of Financial Planners; a charter member of The National Network of Estate Planning Advisors; a Principal Broker for real estate; and a registered securities principal with the National Association of Securities Dealers holding the Series 6, 26, and 63 licenses.

Mr. Peterson served 5 years in the United States Navy as a Russian linguist and crypto operator. After completing the attendant schools, he made numerous missions on submarines, both conventional and nuclear, each lasting 60-90 days, and numerous missions on reconnaissance aircraft.

Mr. Peterson has always been very active in the community: he served as the World President of the Junior Chamber International having traveled to over 100 countries; he has been Chairman of the Guam Chamber of Commerce twice; Chairman of the Armed Forces Committee twice; as Chairman of the Guam Telephone Authority he oversaw the drafting of the legislation, the bidding, and the process of its eventual privatization; he is a past Director of Project Concern International; spent 22 years on the Territorial Planning Commission; creator of the Jaycees International Foundation which now has millions of dollars in it; served with distinction on many boards, in active and in advisory capacities; member of Rotary International for 42 years and a strong supporter of the Boy Scouts. He is especially known for his skills as a premier educator of clients and employees on using money as a tool for financial independence.

Mr. Peterson was selected as the Guam Business 1996 Executive of the Year, by a group of his peers. He had been earlier selected as Guam’s Outstanding Young Person of the Year in 1979.

He is a co-author of three books Wealth Enhancement and Preservation, Ways and Means and a comprehensive book on business, called Strictly Business. He is also the author of innumerable articles for various business magazines, newspapers and broadcast media.

Carl is married to Clara Okada Peterson, and has three children. Rani, age 26, a graduate from Hillsdale College, one of only 4 absolutely private colleges in America. Genni age 21 is currently a senior in college, and Jon-Carl who is 19 and into grappling, soccer, and computers.

Paul F. Ratterman

President of Samoa Pacific Shipping, Inc
Pago Pago, American Samoa

SPS was incorporated in Pago Pago in mid 1988 and has been an independent Steamship Agent since. Over the years we have handled many different Lines centralizing our focus on services between the USWC and Pago Pago and Australia & New Zealand and Pago Pago. In recent years volumes moving between the far east and the islands have been on the rise. As such the focus on this Trade has increased significantly.

Before current position he spent time in the construction industry in California and Australia prior to moving to American Samoa in 1988.

Tommy E. Remengesau

President of the Republic of Palau

President Tommy Esang Remengesau, Jr., is one of Palau's most youthful and energetic leaders. He began his political career as the youngest Senator ever elected to the Palau National Congress (the Olbiil Era Kelulau) in 1984 at the age of 28. He also holds the distinction of being the youngest Palauan ever elected to the Office of the Vice President in 1992. His re?election to the Office of the Vice President in 1996, and his recent election to the Office of the President is a mark of his vitality and his commitment to his promise to the People of Palau to work hard to "preserve the best, and improve the rest" for Palau, today and for generations to come.

President-Elect Tommy Esang Remengesau, Jr., was born on February 28, 1956, in Koror, Palau. As the eldest of eight children born to Mr. Thomas O. Remengesau, Sr., and Ferista Esang Remengesau, "Tommy" has followed in his distinguished father's footsteps. Thomas Sr. served as Palau's first District Administrator for 12 years. He also served the Republic as the Minister of Justice, and later as Vice President, finally serving as the President of the Republic, completing former President Salii's term.

In 1984, he was elected to the Senate of the Second Olbiil Era Kelulau, representing the then First Senatorial District. Later he was re?elected to the Senate of the Third Olbiil Era Kelulau. During both terms, he served as Chairman of the powerful Committee on Ways and Means and was instrumental in helping to erase Palau's outstanding budget deficit and bring about financial stability and credibility.

The President-Elect's keen budgetary sense served him well in his first term as Vice President, during which he concurrently held the position of Minister of Administration (Finance). Under the then Vice-President's able leadership, all prior year debts of the Republic of Palau were retired, while numerous reforms improved fiscal efficiency and increased revenue collections, restoring faith in Palau's National Treasury. In 1998, the then Vice-President efforts also resulted in the Republic's official membership in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.

As Vice-President, The President served as Chairman of several key Committees. While Chairing the Compact of Free Association Transition Commission, he steered the newly independent Republic of Palau through an orderly transition. As Chairman of the Disaster Plan Task Force, he led the Republic in its return to "normalcy" following the disastrous collapse of the K?B Bridge. He also served as the standing Chairman of the National Emergency Committee. In this emergency capacity, the President-Elect directed the Republic's efforts to combat the Y2K Millennium Bug.

The Vice-President was elected as the President of the Republic of Palau and was sworn into office on January 1, 2001.

Elbuchel Sadang

Minister of Finance for the Republic of Palau

The Honorable Elbuchel Sadang, Minister of Finance for the Republic of Palau, has held this cabinet position since 2001, under the administration of President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. As Minister of Finance, he is responsible for the administration and management of government finance, revenue, personnel and property. The honorable Minister oversees the duties and functions of the Bureau of National Treasury; Bureau of Budget and Planning; Bureau of Public Service System; Bureau of Revenue, Customs and Taxation; and Information Systems Support Services.

Minister Sadang formerly held the position of Director of the Bureau of National Treasury for the Ministry of Finance from 1994-2001. He was a previous legislator for Ngaraard State, one of Palau’s sixteen states from 1990-2001. Minister Sadang also holds positions on various in-country boards and commissions, including that of the Civil Service Pension Plan and the Palau International Coral Reef Center. His most current appointment is as a member of the Compact Review Commission, which is responsible for compiling information and submitting recommendations on an agenda for Compact of Free Association (COFA) renegotiation with the United States in 2009.

Minister Sadang is also a member of the Asian Pacific Association for Fiduciary Studies (APAFS)and the Island Government Finance Officers Association (IGFOA). He currently serves as Governor for both the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on behalf of the Republic of Palau.

John M. Silk

Minister of Resources and Development, Republic of the Marshall Islands

BIRTH INFORMATION
September 15, 1956; Kwajalein Island, Kwajalein Atoll

WORK EXERIENCE
Minister of Resources & Development and Senator of Ebon Atoll
Private law practitioner prior to becoming a parliamentary member
Legal counselor for Micronesian Legal Services Corporation

EDUCATION
Regis College, currently Regis University (Denver, Colorado)
Xavier High School (Chuuk State) and graduated from Assumption High School (Majuro Atoll)
Holy Rosary Elementary School (Likiep Atoll) and graduated from Assumption Elementary School (Majuro Atoll)

MARITAL STATUS
Married (wife: Mary Leon Silk) with five children (2 sons; 3 daughters)

FAMILY BACKGROUND
Eldest of eight children of late Ekpap Silk (first senator of Ebon Atoll) and Isabella Silk

INTEREST/HOBBIES
Reading, fishing, and socializing with friends

Ronnie V. Simpson

Manager, FAA Airports District Office, Honolulu

Mr. Ronnie V. Simpson is the Manager of the Honolulu Airports District Office for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Western-Pacific Region since December 2000. Prior to his current assignment, he was the Manager of the Airports Division, Alaskan Region for the FAA for more than 6 years.

He began his career as a Civil Engineer in 1978 in the FAA Airway Facilities Division, Western-Pacific Region. From 1980 to 1987, he was Senior Civil Engineer in the Airports Division, Western-Pacific Region. By August 1987, he was assigned in the area of Airport Certification, Western-Pacific Region, as a Supervisor until November 1991 when he moved to the Alaskan Region as Assistant Manager, Airports Division. In January 1994, he served a detail as Acting Manager, Civil Aviation Security in the Alaskan Region.

Currently, his responsibilities include administration of FAA Airports Programs throughout the Pacific Islands. The Airports Programs include the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), the Passenger Facility Charge Program (PFC), the Airport Certification and Safety Program, the Airport Compliance Program, the Surplus Property Program, the Airport Data Program, the Airport Advisory Program, the Noise Compatibility Program, the Airspace Evaluation Program, and the Technical Assistance Program.

Ronnie attained a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Masters of Public Administration degrees from the University of Southern California.

Scott E. Simpson

Director, Defense Commissary Agency West

Scott E. Simpson, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is director of DeCA West, one of the Defense Commissary Agency’s three regional operating elements, headquartered in McClellan, Calif. Mr. Simpson is responsible for 112 commissaries in the Western United States and the Asia-Pacific area, numerous central distribution centers, and for providing product support to a Navy Exchange Mart. He oversees commissaries covering a broad geographic area, stateside from California to Kansas, and outside the continental United States in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Japan, Korea and Okinawa.

Mr. Simpson became director of DeCA West in May 2007.

EDUCATION
1973, Bachelor of Science degree in history and education, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.
1983, executive development training, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.
1987, executive development training, San Diego State University, San Diego, Calif.
1993, executive development training, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif.

CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1976-1979, general manager, Grand Union Company (Washington division), Landover, Md.
1979-1980, commissary officer, Army Troop Support Agency, Erlangen, Germany
1980-1981, commissary officer, Army Troop Support Agency, Patch Barracks, Germany
1981-1982, commissary officer, Army Troop Support Agency, Heidelberg, Germany
1982-1984, commissary management specialist, Office of the Deputy Chief of Logistics, Department of the Army, Pentagon
1984-1987, chief of operations, Southeast Region, Army Troop Support Agency, Fort Lee, Va.
1987-1991, director, commissary division, Navy Resale and Services Support Office, San Diego, Calif.
1990, chief of distribution, Defense Commissary Agency transition team, and project officer, DeCA West Coast distribution initiative, San Diego, Calif.
1991-1993, deputy director, DeCA Southwest Region, El Toro, Calif.
1993-1997, region director, DeCA Southwest Region, El Toro, Calif.
1997-2000, deputy director (continental United States), DeCA Western/Pacific Region, McClellan, Calif.
2000-2001, executive director for operations and product support, Defense Commissary Agency, Fort Lee, Va.
2001-2002, deputy director, DeCA Eastern Region, Virginia Beach, Va.
2002-2004, director, DeCA Eastern Region, Virginia Beach, Va.
2004-2007, chief operating officer, Defense Commissary Agency, Fort Lee, Va.
2007-present, director, DeCA West, McClellan, Calif.

AWARDS AND HONORS
Defense Commissary Agency Distinguished Service Award
Defense Commissary Agency Meritorious Civilian Service award

Neal Skinner

CEO, EZ Price Mart

Born and raised in San Francisco, California
Father: Entrepreneur in Retail, Real Estate (Apartment Buildings, Shopping Center, Properties)
Extent of Education: Two Year College > California
Extra Education / Degrees: Electronics / First Class Radio-Telephone Degree > Texas

Electronic Repairman > Texas > 1971
Shipwright: Worked in Boat Yard Repairs > Texas
Built 30ft Dutch Design Sloop Sailboat > Texas
Sailor: Sailed Away on Newly Built Sailboat > Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas, Caribbean, Pacific Ocean ( Central America, Hawaii, Marshall Islands, FSM )
Arrive Marshall Islands 1981 ( Created Pacific Blue Star Co )

Developer: Property Subdivision on Family Holdings ( California Public Utility Water System Upgrade, Roads, Housing Tract ) > Northern California > Part Time 1979 to 1982

Aqua culturist: Build Wau Island Mariculture Hatchery, Mili Atoll with Robert Reimers (the person)
Marshall Islands Aquaculture Created > Giant Clams / Seaweed Production
Built Three Outer Island Hatcheries in RMI >
VCD Video (18min) “Wau Island Hatchery” Available upon request
Completed Various Grants > Training and Outgrowth Production
Tropical Fish Collection and Shipping > Aquaculture Farmer Support

Retail: EZ Price Mart started as a Yard Sale >1996
480sq.ft. Wooden Building Bought ($100) and moved ($4000) to our present location> 1997

EZ Price Mart Officially Opens> 1998
Expanding with Covered Add Ons to existing building (1100sq.ft.) > 2000 to 2002
Construction of New Big EZ Building (5700sq.ft.) >2002 to 2004
Construction Add Ons to Big EZ Building (4900sq.ft) >2004 to 2006
Construction of New Warehouse (5200sq.ft.) 2006 to 2007

George D. Steven

Marketing & Operation Manager
Nukuoro Black Pearls

· Ponpe District/Trust Territory Government March 1974 - 1979
· Pohnpei State Government 1979 through 1982
· Federated States of Micronesia Govt 1982 through 1989
· Volunteer with FSMNOC, Pohnpei 1990 through 2001
· Chief Magistrate(Mayor) Nukuoro Mun. Govt 2001 through 2005
· Nukuoro Black Pearls 2005 through present

Togiola T.A. Tulafono

Governor of American Samoa

Togiola T.A. Tulafono was born on February 28th, 1947 on Aunu'u Island, American Samoa.

He attended elementary schools in Vatia, the Marist Brothers' School in Autu'u, and graduated from the High School of American Samoa-Samoana in 1966.Upon graduation from high school, he became a police officer for one year, graduating from the Honolulu Police Academy in 1967. He attended Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska as an American Samoa Government Academic Scholar, and received the Chadron State Special Talents Scholarship Award in 1969.

In 1970, Chadron awarded him a bachelor's degree in political science and sociology. After graduating from Chadron, he became a Legal Assistant in the American Samoa Attorney General's Office, and served as Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of Samoan Affairs from 1970 to 1972.

He attended Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas from 1972 to 1975, receiving his Doctor of Laws degree in 1975. He was admitted to the Kansas Supreme Court and the High Court of American Samoa in 1975.

From 1975 to 1977, he was a partner in an American Samoa law firm. He served as Vice President of South Pacific Island Airways from 1976 until 1978. In 1978, he was appointed as a District Court Judge, serving in that capacity until 1980, when he was elected as a Senator from Sa'ole County (1980-1984) and then from Sua County (1989-1996).

While in the Legislature, he served as Chairman for many committees, including Ways and Means, Judiciary, Senate Rules, Senate Select Investigation Committee, Transportation, Communications, and Wildlife and Natural Resources.

From 1975 to the present, he has been a member of bar associations in Kansas and American Samoa and was a member of the American Bar Association from 1975 - 1980. From 1979 to 1983, he served as chairman of the inaugural Board of Directors of the American Samoa Power Authority.

From 1993-1996, he served as chairman of the inaugural Board of Higher Education. He has been listed in Who's Who in American, Who's Who in the West and Outstanding Young Men of America.

He has been a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of American and the Pago Pago Rotary Club, and was elected as Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa in 1996-2000. He was sworn in as Governor on April 7, 2003, after the sudden passing of Governor Tauese P.F. Sunia. Togiola T.A. Tulafono was elected Governor of American Samoa on November 16, 2004. He was sworn in on January 3rd, 2005.