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Cabrera joins the SHEFA board
Francisco Diaz Cabrera will be bringing more than three decades of experience working in various government agencies and the private sector to the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance board.
Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang swore in Cabrera at his office in Chalan Laulau yesterday morning.
Cabrera said he felt the warm reception of SHEFA chair Oscar M. Babauta and his co-board members immediately after being confirmed by the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation last Tuesday.
The CNMI Workers Compensation Commission program director will take over the post of former SHEFA chair Joe Mafnas as the latter resigned to concentrate on his job as Division of Customs director.
“I will bring to the board a 27-year background of my experience working in various government agencies and at the same time being involved in the private sector for 13 years,” Cabrera told Saipan Tribune after taking his oath of office.
“There are certain policies and procedures that I can discuss with the board but our main goal is to improve and enhance the programs that are already in place,” said Cabrera.
He said the board would look carefully into the recommendation to increase incentives and scholarship awards for student applicants.
“Increasing the incentives…is already on the table. We will look into it since it needs careful study and more talk,” he said.
Having background on the issues faced by SHEFA would also help the board plan its programs.
“I’m confident that I can contribute a lot to the SHEFA board. I have plans that I would like to share with them. The chair and the board will work harder to implement the programs,” Cabrera said.
Apatang said he has personally known Cabrera for many years.
“He [Cabrera] is a perfect fit for SHEFA. I’ve known him for so long and I recognize his work ethic that’s why he can work with the board. He has the vision to help the students which he can contribute to the board.”
