Jonathan Fanene looks set to return as Director of the Department of Youth and Women Affairs which he headed in the first term of Governor Lolo and Lt. Governor Lemanu.
He was appointed today as Acting Director of DYWA pending his nomination and confirmation by the Fono.
Fanene, who was a defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals joined the cabinet late in the first term, after the governor’s first choice for DWYA Director, Pa’u Roy Ausage, was not approved by the legislature.
Fanene’s appointment is effective January 12,.
Poumele Pete Apisa Galeai is reappointed as Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, effective January 12.
Poumele, has headed the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, for nearly two decades.
His position does not require legislative approval.
KHJ News aired earlier today the appointment of Samana Semo Ve’ave’a as Director of the Department of Homeland Security.
So far he and Filifaatali Mike Fuiava are the only new director nominees named to the Lolo Lemanu cabinet.
The rest are all returning directors.
Two, Le’i Sonny Thompson and Dr. Ruth Matagi Tofiga are assigned to new cabinet positions: Le’i moving from Human Resources to Commissioner of Public Safety and Dr. Matagi Tofiga transfers from Marine and Wildlife Resources to the Department of Education.
There’s much anticipation as to who will be named Director of Human Resources, the government’s hiring and firing agency.
As of today, ten director nominations have been submitted to the Fono for confirmation:
- Le’i Sonny Thompson as Commissioner
- Ueligitone Tonumaipe’a as Treasurer
- Talauega Eleasalo Ale as Attorney General
- Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele as Director of Port Administration
- Douglas Fiaui as Public Defender
- Taeaoafua Dr. Meki Solomona as Director of Human Resources
- Faleosina Voigt as Director of Public Works
- Catherine Saelua as Director of Budget
- Dr. Ruth Matagi Tofiga as Director of Education
- Fuiavailili Keniseli Lafaele as Director of Commerce
