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NMTI board is dissolved
From left to right, Annie Hayes, John Oliver Gonzales, Agnes McPhetres, Joe Torres, and Richard Kautz, pose for a photo following the adoption of a resolution for the dissolution of the Northern Mariana Trades Institute board of directors last Friday. (Kimberly Bautista)
The Northern Marianas Trades Institute board of directors unanimously agreed last Friday to dissolve itself to make room for the creation of a board of trustees, pursuant to the law that declared the NMTI a government institution.
NMTI board chair John Oliver Gonzales has confirmed that the NMTI board adopted last Friday a board resolution where they essentially gave their consent to dissolve the board pursuant to Public Law 20-92 that established the Northern Marianas Technical Institute and recognized NMTI as a government entity.
“…We are dissolving, so that will pave the way for the new board of trustees for the newly created Northern Marianas Technical Institute to take over the governance responsibilities and fiduciary role and also the transfer of assets,” he said.
Gonzales said the board of trustees, composed of seven individuals confirmed by the CNMI Senate, would officially meet today.
“The new board of trustees will meet on Monday to essentially create a new bank account and start the essential administrative manner,” he said.
Gonzales said the dissolution of the board is bittersweet but they are excited for what’s to come with the newly established board of trustees.
“We’re welcoming the new year with a lot of promise and opportunities ahead of us. The old board of directors would like to look back and say it’s been an awesome four to five years, through thick and thin, and trials and tribulations. We have no one else to thank but the administration and the Legislature for being equally being supportive of our role and growth,” he said.
Two members of the outgoing board will transition into the board of trustees, Richard P. Kautz Jr. and Mario Valentino. The outgoing board members who will not make the transition into the board of trustees are Gonzales, Annie G. Hayes, and Joseph Torres but Gonzales assured that he, Joe Torres, and Annie Hayes “stand ready to assist as necessary.”
Also part of the new board of trustees are Irene Holl, Carmela Faisao, and Ray Pangelinan. Two members have yet to be confirmed.
That means the NMTI board of trustees will be private-sector driven and “we’re excited for the new board of trustees moving forward,” said Gonzales.
