Robert Hunter appointed to DCCA helm

Robert Hunter

Robert Henry Hunter, executive director of the NMI Museum, has been appointed to the lead the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, taking over the post held by outgoing secretary Laura Ogumoro.

“I am confident that you will devote your time and efforts to fulfill the vital responsibilities of this office and will be an asset to the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Ralph DLG Torres in his appointment letter. “Your willingness to serve our people is most appreciated.

Hunter’s appointment requires the advice and consent of the Senate.

Hunter told Saipan Tribune that he is honored by the appointment and excited to take on this “familiar but in some ways new role in public service.”

“While I still need to bring myself up to speed on where the various divisions of the DCCA are, and what their current plans in place are where the respective missions of the divisions are concerned, my very general priority is to provide support for the divisions, and to see that the very important services they are mandated to provide are being carried out, carried out in the most effective manner possible, and that every opportunity to improve services is taken advantage of,” Hunter said in email to Saipan Tribune.

“There are many good and talented men and women working at the DCCA,” Hunter added, “and I want to make sure they are supported in their work, that they are treated like the professionals they are, that they are provided with avenues for professional development, and that they have an advocate, all of this to the benefit of not only the employees, but to the strengthening of the organization, and ultimately the provision of services.”

Hunter will oversee the operation and administration of nine divisions and programs under the Department of Community & Cultural Affairs. They are the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the Childcare Licensing Program, the Office of Aging, the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture, the Chamorro Carolinian Language Policy Commission, the Historic Preservation Office, the Nutrition Assistance Program, the Child Care Development Fund, and the Division of Youth Services.

“To ensure a smooth transition, Mr. Hunter will work with Madam Secretary Laura Ogumoro whose last day falls on March 21, 2016, on the operations of the department including all its divisions,” Office of Governor spokesman Ivan Blanco said in statement yesterday.

Hunter, in his 25th year of government service, currently serves as the executive director of the NMI Museum of History and Culture. Prior to joining the museum, Hunter served as the executive director of the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture, following terms as a program officer, grants writer, and public information officer. During his term with the DCCA, Hunter served on numerous occasions as the acting secretary.

Hunter also served as a program assistant and as program manager of the Public School System’s Arts Program, and as an adjunct instructor for the arts at the Northern Marianas College. Hunter’s service includes time as a member and vice chairman of the Consortium for Pacific Arts and Culture, a member of the CNMI Museum Board of Governors, a representative to the Pacific Arts Council, president of Arts Inc. and as a district commission member for the Boy Scouts of America. He is also into his second year as the chairperson for the NMI Humanities Council.

Hunter is also a contemporary and folk artist, having had his artwork exhibited internationally and garnering numerous awards and honors.