The Governor’s Office and the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) have announced in a joint press release that the ASTCA Board of Directors has selected Mr. Chuck Leota as the new acting CEO, beginning March 24, 2021.
“Mr. Leota is a well-known and seasoned Telecom Executive with experience in network development, capacity building, Administration, and business development,” said the statement.
Governor Lemanu states, “ASTCA is helping to usher American Samoa into a new digital era, and they will serve as a major contributor in standing up the digital e-commerce industry. And it will not be easy. I am confident that the ASTCA Board members have exercised their due diligence in selecting a candidate for CEO that will be able to keep up with the new challenges. I also challenge Mr. Leota to keep investing in the upskilling and developing of a workforce that will continue to give our people the necessary technical knowledge to maintain our robust systems.”
According to the joint announcement improvements in information technology and telecommunications remain a priority of the Administration, and these initiatives will promote innovation while investing in viable emerging technologies and markets.< “I do not doubt that Mr. Leota is a great fit for the interim position. His institutional knowledge and background make him a sound candidate for the job, and I commend the great work that has brought him to this point of his career,” said the Governor. The statement concludes, “ASTCA also wishes to acknowledge and thank Ms. Fala Sualevai for her years of service and her contributions as CFO, COO, and CEO. Many important achievements occurred during this period, and we are grateful for her service.” Sources tell KHJ News that the board discovered that the current employment contract for Ms Sualevai which was signed last year, had the signature of only one member of the former ASTCA Board. Former chairman Iulogologo Joseph Pereira. This is said to be the basis for the termination of her contract as the selection of the CEO must have the approval of a majority of the board members. Management employees of ASTCA were informed at a meeting yesterday that Leota is now Acting CEO of ASTCA.
