Governor names new Parks & Rec director

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula has appointed Andrew Pelesasa as the Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. His nomination has been submitted to the Fono for a confirmation hearing. This marks the second nomination for the director position within the Department of Parks and Recreation. Initially, Tapusalaia Maneafaiga was appointed as director in January. 

However, in February, the Senate rejected his nomination. Following this, he was reappointed as the Acting Director of Parks and Recreation before the end of February. In July, during the second nomination hearing, Maneafaiga was approved by the Senate; however, he did not pass confirmation in the House of Representatives.

Pelesasa was initially hired under the Pula and Pulu Administration as one of the Executive Advisors for Government Operations in the Governor’s Office. 

He returned to American Samoa after nearly 23 years of distinguished service in the United States Army. His leadership career took him around the globe, where he managed people, budgets, and complex operations. 

He is the son of Lusia Grohse Salanoa Aumoeualogo and the late Anetele‘a Pelesasa Jr. from Aua, Nu‘uuli, Leone, Lauli‘i, Amouli, and Leloaloa. Pelesasa is father to five children — Drucilla, Nu‘u, Manaia, Vanessa, and Ali‘itasi — who inspire his daily commitment to creating a better future for the next generation. 

He holds an Associate of Arts in General Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University.

According to Pelesasa’s resume, the pinnacle of his military education was graduating from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, the Army’s premier leadership course that prepares senior leaders for the most critical command and executive positions, focusing on strategic decision-making, policy development, and the management of large, complex organizations. 

In his final military assignment before retirement, he served as the Garrison Operations Sergeant Major for military installations in Hawaii — a role equivalent to a senior executive overseeing the economic development, infrastructure management, and daily operations of the USARHAW footprint.

Pelesasa worked closely with civilian agencies, local government, and military leadership to implement policies that not only strengthened the quality of life for service members and their families but also ensured that units across the Pacific theater were trained, equipped, and prepared to respond to natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

This experience honed his ability to balance operational readiness with long-term community and economic development — skills that are directly transferable to leading large-scale public programs. Since his return to American Samoa, Pelesasa has immersed himself in community development and youth mentorship. 

He led the ‘auva‘a of Aua to two consecutive top-two finishes in the territory’s prestigious fautasi race, instilling discipline, teamwork, and cultural pride in the next generation. As a Career Day speaker during Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Week at Fagaitua High School, he guided students on preparing for adulthood and shared lessons from his life in both American Samoa and abroad. He has also mentored, prepared, and inspired young men from his village to successfully enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces, equipping them with the discipline, service mindset, and opportunities to thrive. 

His support for youth extends beyond mentorship. Pelesasa donated and hosted a “Back-to-School” volleyball tournament, providing young people with a positive space to compete and celebrate the end of summer. He also participated in the American Samoa Government’s island-wide village clean-up competition, where Aua proudly earned second place. For Pelesasa, sports, community events, and environmental stewardship are not just activities — they are building blocks for discipline, unity, and village pride.