Watson now CUC executive director

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. has named its former deputy executive director, Kevin Watson, its new executive director after professional engineer Christopher Theisen withdrew his acceptance of CUC’s offer.

During CUC’s regular board meeting yesterday, the CUC board officially announced that Watson has been hired as the new executive director following Thiesen’s withdrawal earlier this month.

Watson, who has been with CUC for about two years now, will serve in his new capacity starting June 1, for the next two years.

As for contract details, Watson received the same offer previously given to Thiesen; a $200,000 annual salary, $2,000 housing allowance for one year, and a $1,000 car allowance for two years.

Watson, in an interview, stated that it’s an honor and a privilege to be named CUC’s executive director and it is a challenge he is looking forward to undertaking.

“We have a long way to go but I’m sure, with the quality of staff we have, we be able to meet all of our goals and objectives; one of them being fulfillment of the current stipulated orders. We’ve made a lot of progress already and we will continue to do so. Its going to be a challenge, but it’s not insurmountable,” he said.

In terms of priorities, Watson said he intends to tackle the stipulated orders issued by the federal court ensuring affordable power for CNMI consumers, and ensuring quality water is provided throughout the Commonwealth.

“Without the power, we can’t address the water issues and we need to ensure that we have power at an affordable price to our customers. But we also have to work hard on our quality of water. We’re here for the customers,” he said.

CUC board chair Janice Tenorio said Watson applied for the position after Thiesen withdrew his acceptance of CUC’s offer.

Tenorio said Watson was vetted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is more than qualified for the position.

“I’m pleased to announce that Mr. Watson has applied for the executive director position and the panel recommended him after Mr. Thiesen had pulled out. Mr. Watson was vetted by EPA, we interviewed him, and he has accepted the position. Watson is more than qualified for this position, he has full credentials in terms of what Stipulated Order 1 requires of an executive director, and he’s been on island for about two years so he isn’t new here or to the current situation at CUC. He’s well versed in regards to CUC’s stipulated orders,” she said.

In addition, Tenorio adds that for the last two years, Watson has worked closely with acting executive director Betty Terlaje and is not coming onboard, blind.

“He’s not coming in blind, he knows what he’s stepping into, and with Betty’s leadership, she has managed to empower Watson and inform him and keep him up to date. So having him onboard as our executive director is an achievement for us. The board is happy,” she said.

As for Terlaje, Tenorio said the board appreciates all she’s done for CUC and she will revert back to serving as CUC’s chief of admin.

“We really appreciate betty for holding down the fort, doing both executive director and CFO jobs on top of her regular duties as chief of admin. She really managed to hold the fort down and we really appreciate her. She deserves a vacation once Watson official takes on his role. We are lucky to have her and I believe the corporation is in good standing. As soon as Kevin steps in, we will announce his position so we can fill in the deputy executive director position. We are going to be interviewing for the CFO position too, hopefully in the next few weeks, we’ll have a new CFO,” Tenorio said.

In a statement from Terlaje, she said she is grateful Watson accepted the position when she approached him about it.

“He had already partnered with me and we’ve been working together for over a year over on stipulated items. He’s come a long way in terms of resolving issues we’ve had. He’s someone I can rely on and I know he meets the qualifications so I’m glad he was willing to step up and take the helm. He’s relived me a little already just knowing his term will be effective in the next couple of days. I wish him well and he knows he has us to rely on. Our passion is to see this corporation flourish and become better and provide the community with the best service and see the rates go down for our consumers. That’s our vision,” she said.

According to Saipan Tribune archives, last May 8, Thiesen withdrew his acceptance of CUC’s executive director position due to contractual terms.

“I think we gave him a good offer but he wanted more than what was on his contract and for that reason, we told him that was our limit and he chose to rescind his [acceptance],” said Terlaje.

Kevin Watson