PCF Marianas Chapter selects Class of 2016

The Pacific Century Fellows Marianas Chapter conducted its third annual Selection Saturday event on March 5, 2016 at Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan, which resulted in the selection of the third batch of Fellows for this program.

A panel of notable community leaders and PCF Alumni made up the committee of judges picked to screen program applicants. Candidates were evaluated based on outstanding achievements, community recommendations, strength of character, leadership potential, communication skills, and community activities.

The overall candidate pool was stellar and undoubtedly impressive, leaving the judges with no easy task. These candidates range from ages 25 to 45, and the program established this age bracket as a means of selecting individuals who are mid-career and looking to move forward on innovative and creative paths. After a series of interviews, consideration of candidate achievements, and grueling deliberations, 15 candidates were selected to become Fellows of the Marianas Chapter. The Class of 2016 is an impressive group comprising individuals who are representatives from the business sector and civil servants.

The Class of 2016 Fellows include: Maryann B. Arriola, senior staff specialist, Office of Grants Management-Office of the Governor; Catherine M. Attao, transportation security manager, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration; Joe E. Ayuyu, Jr., manager/executive assistant to the president, JCA Inc.; Charles Brasington, assistant attorney general, CNMI Office of the Attorney General; Alexis P. Cabrera, project manager Public Relations/Project Management, Imperial International (CNMI), LLC; Janice Anne E. Castro, executive assistant, Alter City Group Inc.; Derek B. Gersonde, public information officer/firefighter/EMT, Department of Fire & EMS (DFEMS) ; Brady J. Hammond, Department chair, Northern Marianas College; Charles P. Reyes, Jr., attorney, Law Office of Charles Reyes; Brad E. Ruszala, executive consultant, Excelsior Communications; Carline B. Sablan, Economic Development analyst, Commonwealth Development Authority; Jordan C. Sundell, lawyer, Bridge Capital, LLC; Beau Q. Tomokane, station supervisor, Delta Air Lines, Inc.; Laarni P. Zapanta, account support specialist-Customer Operations, IT&E; and Ruselle T. Zapanta, operations manager, Tan Holdings.

The PCF Marianas Chapter is a leadership development program with the sole purpose of uniting potential leaders and strong community intellectuals in order to strategically address some of today’s most pressing matters. The Chapter is an extension of the Pacific Century Fellows Program based in Honolulu, Hawaii, and founded by former Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann.

The program jump-starts with a Leadership Retreat for building cohesion as a class and tailoring of the program year to better fit the Fellows’ learning and the current issues of our islands. The program year will then carry on with monthly sessions where Fellows will interact with leaders and skilled professionals from various sectors of business and government and all walks of life.

The Fellows will graduate upon completion of the program year, and the knowledge gained from the program will go a long way to making more broad-minded leaders, more creative problem-solvers, and more confident global citizens. (PR)