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2016 PCF ‘Fellows’ meet with Torres, other leaders
The Pacific Century Fellow Program, Marianas Charter 2016 “Fellows” pose with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres during a meeting last April 28. (Contributed Photo)
The Pacific Century Fellow Program, Marianas Charter 2016 Cohort consists of 15 community leaders with various backgrounds from a variety of occupations in both the private and public sectors. Once a month they have a session in which they meet with leaders in the Marianas. Their first session focused on the government and was held on April 28, 2016.
The “Fellows” had great dialogues and interaction with our community leaders. They started their day engaging with the CNMI’s Covenant Negotiators—Oscar Cruz Rasa, Pedro “Pete” A. Tenorio, and Pedro R. Deleon Guerrero.
The Fellows then met with the CNMI’s first elected Attorney General, Edward Manibusan. Shortly after, they had a session with Michael S. Sablan, who provided guidance and insight on the topic of legal ethics in government. The Fellows had a lunch session with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and later met with the 19th Commonwealth Legislature, including Speaker Ralph Demapan, Senate vice president Arnold Palacios, Sen. Sixto Igisomar, vice speaker Joseph Deleon Guerrero, and Reps. George Camacho, Angel Demapan, B.J. Attao, Vinson Sablan, Francis Taimanao, Ralph Yumul, and Ray Tebuteb.
The Fellows then proceeded to meet with NMI District Court Magistrate Judge Heather Kennedy, followed by a final panel discussion with Chief Justice Alex Castro, Associate Judge Joseph Camacho, and Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio of the NMI Courts.
The PCF Program participants are grateful for the time spent with all the leaders from all three branches of government, for the great dialogue on current issues and concerns. They found the interactions to be very educational and insightful. Fellow Jordan Sundell said, “We appreciate the government’s openness to engage in a full and frank discussion about the challenges and opportunities confronting the island.” Fellow Beau Tomokane added, “I feel priviledged to be a part of the PCF program. We’ve gathered twice and already we have learned so much together. Our Government Day has improved my understanding of the various offices we’ve visited. I’m so thankful for the opportunities PCF has to offer and the diverse network I am a part of.”
The Pacific Century Fellows Program-Marianas Chapter, Class of 2016 is comprised of Charles Brasington, assistant attorney general, CNMI Office of the Attorney General; Brady J. Hammond, department chair, Northern Marianas College; Catherine M. Attao, VP for Corporate Affairs, Tan Holdings; Carline B. Sablan, economic development analyst, Commonwealth Development Authority; Janice Anne E. Castro, executive assistant, Alter City Group Inc.; Laarni P. Zapanta, account support specialist-Customer Operations, IT&E; Maryann B. Arriola, senior staff specialist, Office of Grants Management; Alexis P. Cabrera, project manager Public Relations/Project Management, Imperial International (CNMI), LLC: Joe E. Ayuyu, Jr, manager/executive assistant, JCA, Inc; Jordan C. Sundell, lawyer, Bridge Capital, LLC; Charles P. Reyes, Jr, attorney, Law Office of Charles Reyes, Russelle T. Zapanta, operations manager, Realty Management Services; Derek B. Gersonde, public information officer/Firefighter/EMT, Department of Fire & EMS; Beau Q. Tomokane, operations service manager, Delta Airlines, Inc. and Brad E. Ruszala, executive director, Sports, Entertainment and Activities, Pacific Islands Club, Saipan.
This third cohort of leaders meet on a monthly basis, participating in Professional Development sessions with various leaders and departments. This program will continue to the month of November, and a class graduation is set for December. For more information on the PCF, please go to: www.pcf-marianas.com. (PR)
