Mr Chuck Leota has been named as the new CEO of the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority.
Leota has been Acting CEO of ASG’s telecommunications authority since the removal of former ceo Fala Sualevai early this year.
He has over seventeen (17) years of telecom experience with 13 years at BlueSky and the last four years at ASTCA.
He was head of Sales and Marketing before being appointed as acting ceo.
A public announcement about his selection was delayed until the return of Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga to the territory.
A press release from the Governor’s Office said Governor Lemanu extended his heartfelt congratulations to Leota, and encouraged him to continue doing great work in a courtesy meeting on October 4th, 2021.
“I want you to remember that we are servants of the people and not the other way around,” stated Governor Lemanu.
“The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) plays a significant role in how every family, church, village, and government communicates, and our lifestyles revolve around the services you provide. I am excited to learn about the strides in innovation and development that you have planned. I look forward to seeing ASTCA as a future leader in continuing to shape the future of technology for the Territory.”
Lemanu also commended the ASTCA Chairman of the Board Mr. Alex Sene Jr. and the Board of Directors for their foresight in their selection. Mr. Leota, while in his capacity as Acting CEO, has proven that not only does he have the intuition of a great leader, but that he also has the courage to push ASTCA’s talents and resources to achieve success.
Lemanu said, “I ask the Board and the employees of ASTCA to give Mr. Leota all the support he will need as he steps into his new role as CEO.”
Chairman of the ASTCA Board, Alex Sene Jr., remarked, “As ASTCA Acting CEO, Mr. Leota has made significant contributions in impacting American Samoa’s social and economic conditions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also displayed excellent leadership experience, bringing together the ASTCA expertise and unique skills in unwavering solidarity to restore communications to Manu’a during an unexpected break in the ‘Blast’ submarine fiber optic cable in March 2021. As a result of the break, there was a total loss of all communications to and from Manu’a. Mr. Leota planned out the solution carefully and implemented it tactfully.”
