Our Leadership

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is responsible for providing the overall leadership, fiduciary duties, vision, policy setting, and development for the Fanapi Center. The Board members will be recruited not necessarily by regional representation but by their area of expertise and depth of commitment to seek ways to help the outer islands. All Board members serve on a volunteer basis and receive no financial compensation for their services. Ideal members will represent the various sectors in the community.

Floren Akkin (Education)
Fr. Florentinus Akkin is the Principal of Weipat High School on the outer island of Onoun. Fr. Akkin attended Piherarh Elementary School, Weipat, Chuuk High School before going on to completing a bachelors degree at the University of Guam and theology studies the Pacific Regional Seminary in Suva, Fiji. He represent educational initiatives on the Board.

James A. Naich (Government)
Mr. James Naich is the Deputy Chief of Mission of the FSM Embassy in Washington, DC. Originally from the island of Pollap in the Pattiw Region, Mr. Naich has served our nation in the diplomatic corps for many years and has a great grasp of the needs of the Fanapi islanders overseas. His knowledge of local, national, and international governments will be valuable to the Board.

Erencia Saipweirik, RSM (Women)
Sr. Erencia Saipweirik is a teacher and former Vice Principal at Saramen Chuuk Academy on Weno, Chuuk. Originally from the outer island of Houk, Sr. Eren is a member of the Mercy Sisters and has been a strong advocate for outer island women’s issues. She has sponsored young women from the outer islands to help form them academically, socially, spiritually, and self-esteem building.

Felix Yomai (Health)
Dr. Felix Yomai is a physician at the Chuuk State Hospital who has roots in both the outer islands of Yap and Polowat. In addition to his duties at the hospital, Dr. Yomai is very actively involved with the FSM national sports teams as the team physician. With his vast experience in the health services, Dr. Yomai will advise the Board on issues of healthcare.

Asael Ruda (Religion)
Asael is a missionary from the Pafeng islands who is currently based in Yap, but travels to Chuuk for faith-related outreach efforts. He will represents the religious faith efforts on the Board.

Linda Mori Hartmann (Partnerships)
Linda is a leader in a variety of organizations and projects in the State of Chuuk. A resident of Weno with deep roots in the Northwest region, Linda brings an expertise to the Board on building collaborations with other Weno-based NGOs and other organizations.

Vidalino Raatior (Global)
Vid Raatior is the Director of the Pacific Islanders Student Center at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Originally from the outer islands of Onoun, Tamatam, and Houk, Vid is the Program Manager of the Fanapi Foundation which is the US-based entity aimed at raising funds and providing technical assistance to the Fanapi Center.

 

Council of Advisers

The Advisory Council is a group of leaders who will provide informal advise and inspiration  to the Fanapi Foundation’s efforts in various sectors, associations,  and geographical locations.

Staff

At this early planning stage of the organization, but when the Foundation does below is the proposed staffing needs of the Center:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for the Foundation’s overall program development, funding, staffing, and global partnerships.

Director of Operations (Director)
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Operations is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the Foundation’s staff and coordination and management of all programs, operational and fiscal responsibility.

Program Managers (PM)
Reporting directly to the Director of Operations, the Program Managers are responsible for the day-to-day planning, implementation, and coordination of the various programs within their division of the Foundation. PMs receive a salary commensurate to their education and experience.

• Education Division
• Business Division
• Community Development Division
• Health Care Division

Office Manager

The Office Manager reports to the Director of Operations and is responsible for the day-to-day clerical support for the organization including the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Director, Director of Operations, Program Managers, and serves as a contact for the Foundation’s volunteers, visitors, and funders.