Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

President Urusemal's Cabinet posts complete

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): May 30, 2005 - President Joseph J. Urusemal finally has a full Cabinet after the Fourteenth Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia confirmed his recent nominations.

The administration of Oath of Office has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 31 at 10am in the President's Cabinet Room to seat the final members of President Urusemal's Cabinet as confirmed by 14th FSM Congress.

Congress confirmed Marstella Eliam Jack (38), of Pohnpei, as Secretary of the FSM Department of Justice. Ms. Jack began her professional background with the Governments as the first female Foreign Service Officer in the Department of Foreign Affairs and onto becoming a Deputy Assistant Secretary. She served as Assistant Attorney General for the Government of Pohnpei State until she was hired in 2004 as an Assistant Attorney General for the FSM Department of Justice.

Ms. Jack's first bachelor's degree is in Political Science from Eastern New Mexico University and the second bachelor's degree is in General Law from the University of South Pacific. Ms. Jack holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom. Ms. Jack becomes the first woman Attorney General for the FSM Department of Justice.

Congress confirmed Akillino Harris Susaia (47), of Pohnpei, as Secretary of the FSM Department of Economic Affairs. Mr. Susaia is currently the Secretary of the FSM Department of Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure. His extensive professional background began in the Legislative Branch of Pohnpei State Government where he served various administrative roles. Mr. Susaia transferred to the Executive Branch to serve as the General Manager of Pohnpei Port Authority. During the last Administration he joined the FSM National Government as the Secretary of the Department of TC&I and held the same post this Administration until his confirmation for Economic Affairs.

Mr. Susaia's holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Oregon and a master's degree in Public Administration, also from the University of Oregon.

Congress confirmed Andrew Robert Yatilman (44), of Yap, as Secretary of the FSM Department of Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure. Mr. Yatilman has an extensively diverse professional background that includes being a former Lieutenant Governor of the State of Yap, where he headed the Public Sector Reform Program and chaired the Executive Budget Review Committee, a former Assistant Director of the Yap Health Services and a former Assistant Principal for the Xavier High School in Chuuk.

He is a senior member in various Boards of Directors and Trustees for the State of Yap and the FSM Government as well. Mr. Yatilman earned his bachelor's degree in Public Administration from the University of Guam and did his graduate studies at the University of Hawaii.

The three remaining nominees confirmed by the 14th FSM Congress are for the newly established Office of Compact Management to oversee the implementation of the various provisions of the amended Compact of Free Association between the FSM and the U.S.

Congress confirmed Epel Kalwin Ilon (53), of Chuuk, as Director of the Office of Compact Management. Mr. Ilon has over 20-yrs of experience in the National Government, most in foreign affairs. A seasoned diplomat, Mr. Ilon background include an intern at the Office of Territorial & Insular Affairs for the United States Department of Interior, FSM's Representative in Washington D.C. where he headed the lobbying for the approved Compact Treaty with the U.S. and various agreements with other nations. He is a former Secretary for the FSM Department of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Ilon held leading roles in major national committees that included Chairman of the FSM Joint Committee on Compact Economic Negotiations.

Mr. Ilon earned his bachelor's degree in Education from Chaminade College in Hawaii, with a master's degree from the State University of New York in Albany.

Mr. Nick L. Andon and Mr. Sebastian L. Anefal are confirmed as the National Government representatives on the Compact Management Board. Mr. Andon is the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration. Mr. Anefal is the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs.