CUC board extends Terlaje’s contract for 3 months until…

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. board of directors has extended for three months the contract of CUC administration chief Betty G. Terlaje, who has also been acting as executive director.

In response to Saipan Tribune’s inquiry, Terlaje said yesterday that the board meeting on Thursday needed to adjourn early due to legal counsel had to leave early for a prior commitment.

She said the board approved a three-month extension of her contract as administration chief until they get a chance to officially evaluate her and discuss her renewal properly and without rush.

Terlaje said her contract as CUC administration chief is expiring today, Monday.

She said her position as acting executive director is under the same terms of that contract as administration chief.

Terlaje said she accepted the three-month extension with the understanding that the board will be doing her evaluation soon.

The acting executive director said the board members have been very supportive of her leadership and give management good feedback in dealing with the many challenges and plans to develop and grow the utilities agency.

“I have faith and no reason to believe they do not have to renew my contract. I’ll be patient with their final decision,” Terlaje said.

Terlaje has been designated as acting executive director since April 2023 when board chair Janice Tenorio sacked acting executive director Dr. Dallas M. Peavey Jr.

Last February, the board approved the hiring of professional engineer Christopher Theisen, who is from California, as CUC’s executive director. He has yet to arrive on Saipan.

Betty G. Terlaje