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OPA’s Mike Sablan steps down today
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Posted on Jul 21 2008
Public Auditor Michael S. Sablan will step down today after seven and a half years in office.
Sablan submitted his resignation two months ago to return to the private sector. He will join the executive management of the Micronesia-based Triple J Enterprises in August.
“I’m looking forward to going back to the private sector. But it is also difficult to leave an office that I think has been progressive and helped improve the government during my tenure,” said Sablan.
He said he looks forward to working with his yet-to-be named successor as the OPA transitions to its new leadership. He also paid tribute to the OPA staff, saying the time he spent working with them was the “proudest chapter in my career.”
Press secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said the administration will announce Sablan’s replacement possibly today.
Sablan was first appointed as public auditor in 2000 by then Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio. In December 2006, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial reappointed him for another six-year term.
Under his leadership, the Office of the Public Auditor issued about 100 audit reports, conducted Ethics and Accountability presentations for thousands of government employees, and made numerous recommendations to reform regulations to improve accountability over public resources including travel, procurement, and personnel.
Sablan is also credited with reducing OPA personnel and transitioning OPA from a mostly nonresident staff to an almost 100-percent local staff.
Sablan is a certified public accountant with a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to his first appointment, he also served as special advisor for finance and budget to Governor Tenorio, vice president/chief financial officer for Joeten Enterprises, assistant controller for DFS Saipan Limited, and in several other accounting positions.
He has also held various key positions in regional professional organizations.
