Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula has appointed Ted Le’iato as the new Chairman of the board of Directors of the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA).
Le’iato has been a member of the ASPA Board since 2022. He worked for 23 years at ASPA, nine of which were as power generation manager. He was also in charge of ASPA’s renewable energy programs. Later, he joined the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority as Special Projects Manager.
Le’iato is a graduate of the Fiji School of Technology and the Manukau Institute of Technology.
The Governor said Ted’s professional experience as a lead engineer and project manager for ASPA, as well as his prior service as a member of the board, are excellent qualifications for this important role.
Fagaitua graduate named to ASPA Board
The Governor also named a new member to the ASPA Board — Jansen Poyer, who will be one of the two off-island board members.
As the Fono is not in session, this is a recess appointment, meaning that Poyer can begin serving on the board immediately without confirmation. His appointment expires at the conclusion of the next Fono session.
The Governor withdrew an earlier nomination of Folasa Galeai after he was unable to travel from Hawaii for confirmation hearings during the last Fono session.
The Governor said Jansen has over 17 years of demonstrated engineering experience, including project planning, engineering leadership, and communication proficiency at every level. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Engineering Management. Jansen has worked in the aerospace industry for Boeing and L3 Technologies. “Most notably,” said the Governor, “he is a product of our own Public School system as a Faga’itua High School graduate.”
Maaelopa Bob Tuiasosopo appointed to LBJ Board
In another recess appointment, Governor Pulaalii has appointed Maaelopa Bob Tuiasosopo to the Board of Directors of the American Samoa Tropical Medical Center to replace Afamasaga Dr. Talifa Talifa Jr.
The Governor had submitted Maaelopa’s name for confirmation by the Senate during the last session; however, the nomination was never introduced, as Afamasaga’s term does not expire until November next year. Afamasaga has disputed the causes cited for his removal and has said that he is hiring an attorney to challenge it.
The Governor said he will submit Maaelopa’s name for Senate confirmation and expressed confidence that Maaelopa will utilize his proven record of leadership in the community and collaboration across government business and community sectors. “His extensive experience guiding public and non-profit boards makes him well-qualified to contribute to the LBJ Tropical Medical Center Board,” said the Governor.
