Concepcion turns down CPA offer

Despite a majority 5-1 vote in favor of offering the post of Commonwealth Ports Authority executive director to Christopher A. Concepcion, the man himself has turned down the offer and will remain as the Marianas Visitors Authority’s managing director.

After officially receiving CPA’s offer for the position, Concepcion informed the board that he is declining the offer.

“I am honored and humbled to be offered the position. …With my nearly 10-year background in the airline industry, my understanding of airport operations, my keen knowledge of the complexities involved when dealing with other airlines, ground handlers, tour operators, travel agencies, hoteliers, retailers, transportation companies, national, state and local government agencies, foreign government officials, and many other travel industry stakeholders, combined with my years of experience at the helm of the Marianas Visitors Authority, I know I would’ve made a perfect fit. I am honored that the interview committee made up of four industry professionals rated me highest out of nine competing candidates. However, after careful consideration, I have decided to decline the offer,” Concepcion said in a statement yesterday.

Still, Concepcion said he looks forward to continuing to work with CPA at the helm of MVA.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the CPA board of directors and the interview panel for their time and effort, and vote of confidence. I wish the best for the CPA board, management, and staff as they continue the good work of moving the agency forward. The missions of the MVA and CPA complement each other, so I look forward to continuing our partnership,” he said.

In a statement from CPA board chair Kimberlyn King-Hinds, she said it is unfortunate that Concepcion turned down the offer—believing that his decision was politically influenced—as it would have been a great opportunity for him, CPA, and the CNMI community.

“It’s unfortunate that after having been summoned by the governor, Chris felt it necessary to rescind his acceptance of the offer to start a new challenging opportunity given to him by industry stakeholders. This would have been a great opportunity for him to grow professionally and develop his leadership skills while serving the community. I fully empathize with his position and that of many young, educated, and highly qualified CNMI talents whose contributions are either dismissed altogether or put in a difficult situation such as this because of politics. It’s one of the reasons why the CNMI suffers from a brain drain. With that being said, there are other equally qualified individuals with credentials who have been also recommended to the board and are being considered for the position,” she said.

Last week, following heated argument among CPA board members during the deliberation process to name a new executive director, the board voted 5-1 (due to a recusal) to offer the position to Concepcion.

The row came about after CPA board member Antonio Cabrera—who has also applied for the executive director position—objected to the selection of Concepcion, arguing that the new executive director should be “very qualified,” implying that Concepcion’s 10-year experience in the airline industry was not enough.