Gov. Lemanu names members for Workforce Development Board

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga has re-established the territory’s State Workforce Development Board in order to comply with provisions of the federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA).

And establishing such a board is one of the requirements for continued receipt of WIOA funding.

In a Mar. 15 memorandum, the governor explained that the WIOA “provides financial support for various programs beneficial to our territory, including summer youth employment, adult education and vocational rehabilitation.”

ASG Human Resources Department oversees the federal program under its WIOA Division, headed by deputy director Fa’agau S. Lefiti, who the governor has appointed as board chairman.

“WIOA is dedicated to enhancing the work experience by offering plenty of opportunities for our students and adults to engage and develop skills in the work environment,” according to the DHR website.

A provision of WIOA states that the “State board” shall include the governor and a member of each chamber of the State legislature (to the extent consistent with State law), appointed by the appropriate presiding officers of such chamber.

Lemanu’s memo complies with this provision of the federal law, with the governor as a board member along with one senator appointed by the Senate President and one House of Representatives member, appointed by the House Speaker.

 Provisions of WIOA designate categories to be appointed by the governor, and Lemanu made the necessary appointments in order for the board to more effectively perform its salutatory duties:

•           “A majority of representatives of local businesses or organizations” appointees: La Poasa, Taupau Tauileave Toluono, Kathryn McCutcheon, Sandra Fruean, Jermaine Moliga, Dalene Vaivai, Justin Tuiasosopo, Apelu Milo Jr., and Tuai Auva’a-Mua;

•           “Not less than 20 percent who are representatives of the [local] workforce” appointees: Edna Noga, ASPA STEAM Program; and two local veteran representatives — Si’imoa Galoia and Manu Talamoa;

•           “Government representatives” appointees: WIOA deputy director; ASCC director of Adult Education & Literacy, Dr. Faaletino Roberts; ASG Vocational Rehabilitation Office director, Poumele Pete Galeai; Neil Pilcher- Western District At-Large; Lizzie Juliet Malietoa- Eastern District At-Large; and Ume Asila Ume- Manu’a District At-Large.

Lemanu’s Mar. 15 memo supersedes the one issued in 2004, any conflicting portion of any other memorandum or policy on this subject and any other appointments to this board made prior to Mar. 15.

Details of State board requirements at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/20/679.110