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CUC deputy chief Fong quits post
The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. lost one of its top management officials with the resignation of deputy director Wallon Young Fong.
CUC executive director Alan Fletcher confirmed with Saipan Tribune yesterday that Fong last reported for work last month, the end of his employment contract.
While praising the former executive’s invaluable contribution to the stability of power generation on island, Fletcher does not expect Fong’s departure to impact the agency’s current operation.
“I do not anticipate Wallon’s leaving to impact operations. Under his leadership, CUC has been able to rebuild its power supplies, which currently enjoys excess supply. While he will be missed, we all wish Wallon and his family well in his new posting,” said Fletcher.
Fong’s contract term ended in January and it was learned that he had accepted another job.
“Wallon will be greatly missed for his work in repairing, stabilizing, upgrading, and optimizing CUC’s power generation systems. His direct contributions ushered in reliable power generation to the people of CNMI,” according to Fletcher.
He added that Fong has been gracious enough to stay in contact with operational personnel on any problems.
Saipan Tribune learned that Fong has been serving the island’s utility agency for five years. He was hired early in 2009 as deputy director for power division.
Fletcher concedes that replacing Fong’s vast knowledge will be difficult, which speaks to the high demand for his talents.
He revealed that CUC is examining a couple of different approaches such as recruitment for one position and/or the hiring of targeted electrical engineering specialties, one for power-generation and a second for transmission and distribution.
Thankfully, he said, CUC has on board a solid power generation manager who was hired in 2012. In addition, the power transmission and distribution section is led by incumbent manager Gary Camacho.
CUC operates three power plants, which are all oil-fueled diesel engines. CUC electric customers currently get their power from Power Plant 1.
Power Plant 2, meantime, is being overhauled, while Power Plant 4 is on standby.
