---

Andon sworn-in for Finance and Administration

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): September 26, 2003 - Nick Leon Andon has been sworn-in to Head of the Department of Finance and Administration for the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia.

Vice President Redley Killion administered the Oath of Office to the new Secretary in the President's Cabinet room. He welcomed the newest addition to the Executive component with assurances of the Administration's full support for those sworn to uphold the "Laws and the Constitution of this Nation and to serve the wishes of its people in the performance of their respective positions."

The Vice President said the significance of the solemn occasion was "a necessary practice aimed at assuring accountability and responsibility in Government." He further said the Secretary's role, given the new economical and financial arrangements under the Amended Compact, would prove to be "a most challenging and demanding responsibility."

Vice President Killion expressed his confidence that given the long and varied experience in public service as well as in the private sector work, the Secretary would be able to "meet the challenges and demands confronting him in his new position."

The ceremony was witnessed by the President's Cabinet sworn in the previous week, officials from the national offices and agencies, employees of the national government along with families and friends.

Born in 1952, Secretary Andon is a native of Kuttu Island in the State of Chuuk. His educational background includes a Bachelors of Recreation Administration from the San Diego State University along with a Masters in Management and Organizational Development from the United States International University.

The Secretary's experiences began during the United administration of Micronesia under the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI). In 1977, he was employed by the TTPI Headquarters as Coordinator of the Territorial Economic Opportunity Office, managing the activities of the Community Action Agencies throughout Micronesia. He went on to become the Program Developer for the Office of Aging for the same administration.

During the transition to FSM's self government, he was employed by the National Government's Department of Social Services in Pohnpei as Aging Program Coordinator. A lateral move in 1983 placed him at the national Office of Budget where he became the Management Analyst reviewing the activities and performances of the national government. The following year, he returned to Chuuk and worked as the Director of Budget for the State Government.

He returned to the national government in 1990 and, for the next seven years, was the Administrator for the Division of Grants Management. In 1997 he went back to Chuuk to become the Director of Budget for the State Government.

The year after, he became the State's Director of Treasury and remained with the government until 2000, during which he moved to the FSM Telecommunications Corporation as the State Manager for the Chuuk Station.

In addition to his professional experiences, the Secretary has served on various Boards and Commissions for the State of Chuuk and the National Government.

He is married to former Marpellina Dereas and they have two children.