Theisen withdraws acceptance of CUC offer

Professional engineer Christopher Theisen has withdrawn his acceptance of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s offer to serve as executive director due to contractual issues, according to CUC board chair Janice A. Tenorio yesterday.

“Unfortunately, while agreeing in principle, CUC and Theisen were unable to agree on the final terms of his employment contract, and thus have parted ways,” said Tenorio in a statement.

Saipan Tribune sought comment from Tenorio after learning yesterday that CUC issued a job vacancy announcement for the two-year contract as executive director. The JVA opening date was May 4, 2024 and the closing date is until the position is filled.

During the CUC board special meeting last Feb. 23, the board voted to offer the executive director position to Theisen.

“While we are disappointed that Mr. Theisen will not be joining us as executive director, we respect his decision and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Tenorio said.

Tenorio said they remain committed to finding the most qualified candidate to lead CUC and continue their mission of serving the community.

“CUC expresses its gratitude to all candidates who have expressed interest in the executive director position and assures stakeholders that the selection process will continue with diligence and transparency,” the chairwoman said.

Theisen, who is from California, is supposed to arrive on Saipan this June 1.

The executive director’s position has been vacant since Gary P. Camacho resigned on Feb. 21, 2023. CUC administration chief Betty G. Terlaje has been the acting executive director since April 2023.

Under the federal court-mandated orders called stipulated orders 1 and 1, CUC will be penalized if critical positions such as the executive director and chief financial officer are not filled within 150 days.

Last week, Tenorio disclosed that the board agreed to offer the position of the CFO to one of four candidates.

Janice A. Tenorio