Today’s cabinet meeting was the last with department and agency directors who served in the first four year term of the Lolo Lemanu Government.
All of the directors have submitted their resignations.
And Governor Lolo issued a memo today appointing deputy directors to serve as acting directors.
However a few agency directors will remain.
The governor made it clear at today’s cabinet meeting that no changes are to be made until permanent directors have been appointed.
His memo appointing the deputies as acting directors said, “Except when instructed to do so, the acting director is restricted from making organization changes or reassignment of personnel and responsibilities.
“The primary responsibility of the acting director is to ensure that the services of the department or the office to the general public are maintained at the highest level of quality.
“Moreover the acting director shall ensure that all existing policies are fully adhered to and that the respective workforce is fully engaged and productive, no new programs or projects are to be initiated unless specifically director to do so by executive leadership.
The directors who will continue unchanged are:
Keith Gebauer-Criminal Justice Planning Agency,
Uiagalelei Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei- Chief Election Officer
Peter Tinitali-Office of Protection and Advocacy
Judge Toetagata Albert Mailo continues as Administrative Law Judge
Paogofie Fiaigoa who was appointed to head the Arts Council following the resignation of Uta Dr. Laloulu Tagoilelagi continues in that capacity.
Tapaau Dr. Dan Aga who was appointed as Acting Director of Agriculture also continues in that position.
Sandra King Young remains as Director of the Medicaid Office.
No acting directors have been named for Samoan Affairs and Public Defender. The memo said they are to be announced later. Same with the Office of Insurance.
Here’s the full list of acting directors:
EPA- Faamao Asalele
Administrative Services- Gago Faatafa Gago
Department of Commerce -Uili Leauanae
Department of Health- Faraitoafa Utu
Homeland Security – Jacinta Brown
Human and Social Services- Muavaefaatasi John Suisala
Human Resources -Eseneiaso Liu
Marine and Wildlife Resources -Selaina Tuimavave
Parks and Recreation- Kenneth Tupu
Port Administration -Christoper King
Public Safety -Vaimaga Maiava
Public Works -Falavai Taase
Treasury- Tina Vaa
Youth and Women Affairs -Pa’u Roy Ausage
Disaster Assistance and Petroleum Management -Salu Tuigamala
Procurement- Sapi Ma’o Ena
Program Planning and Budget -Aukuso Satia
Property Management -Poleen Asalele
Public Information -Tialuga Vince Iuli
TAOA -Kuresa Paopao
Territorial Audit Office- Loia Gutu
Territorial Energy Office -Talifa Vaiolo
The Department of Education is not on the list.
There are different effective dates for the acting director appointments.
The ones that are effective January 3, 2017 are Human Resources, Attorney General and Public Safety, which would indicate that the current directors for these offices will continue serving until January 3 when the deputy directors take over.
Others are effective December 23, while the majority of the acting directors take over December 30th.
