Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula has appointed Mr. Nathan Ilaoa as the new Acting Director of the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR).
In the memo of appointment, the Governor stated that Ilaoa brings a wealth of experience in the management of fishery resources, having served as the Island Coordinator for the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council and as Vice Chairman of its American Samoa Advisory Panel.
He also has extensive experience in managing coastal zone resources and enforcing environmental laws and regulations through his previous roles with the Department of Commerce and the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency.
“Mr. Ilaoa is skilled in grant and technical writing, and has experience developing and implementing marketing strategies as a private business owner,” said Governor Pulaalii. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology and currently serves as the Project Manager of Le Vasa Pathways, a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible ocean stewardship.
Ilaoa becomes the third appointee to the position of DMWR Director since the start of the Pula and Pulu Administration.
The first nominee, Timothy Jones, was approved by the Senate but did not pass confirmation in the House of Representatives.
In February, the Governor appointed Mrs. Natasha Tuatoo-Bartley as Acting Director of DMWR; however, her name was not submitted to the Fono for confirmation.
