The Senate confirmed this morning, Ruth Matagi for the Board of Directors of the Territorial Bank of American Samoa. The vote was 14-1.
Matagi, who’s also president of the Development Bank of American Samoa, has been a board member since it was established in 2014.
In her confirmation hearing by the Senate Rules Committee, Senator Utu Poasa asked Matagi if she felt there was a conflict in heading DBAS and being a TBAS board member.
She responded that she didn’t see a conflict. She said DBAS doesn’t have any deposits, and its main functions are to help with home loans and small businesses.
Senator Poumele Pete urged the Board to make a selection for a new President and CEO of TBAS, noting that the position has been vacant for several months.
He said if the board can’t find a suitable candidate it should consider appointing the person who has been acting president and CEO, referring to Owen Peery.
Leilua Stevenson
The second nominee for the TBAS, Board Leilua Stevenson, was also supposed to appear, however, at the start of the hearing, Senator Soliai Tuipine informed the committee that, according to Ms. Stevenson, she has informed the Chairman of the Board of TBAS, Senator Togiola Tulafono, that she no longer wants to serve on the Board.
During the Senate session, Togiola asked that the Senate delay a decision on Ms. Stevenson’s appointment adding that her expertise is needed on the board.
According to Togiola, Ms. Stevension was afraid to appear before the Senate.
Tuaolo felt if any one appointed by the Governor no longer wants to serve, they should inform the Governor.
He said the proper thing to do is to thank the Governor for the honor, and let him know that they can no longer serve.
When Tuaolo asked Ms. Matagi if the Governor asked her if she wished to continue as a TBAS Board member, she said she was never asked.
She was surprised when she received the notice of reappointment.
But, she said, she was willing to continue as a board member of TBAS.
