Governor-elect Lou Leon Guerrero has named two women from the academe to lead her incoming administration’s transition team.
Dr. Mary Okada, president of the Guam Community College, and Dr. Laura Torres Souder, president and CEO of Souder, Betances and Associates and former professor at the University of Guam, will manage the transition until Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor-elect Joshua Tenorio are installed in January.
"I am elated that Drs. Mary Okada and Laura Torres Souder have accepted the responsibility to lead our Transition Team. I have the utmost respect for their proven record of professionalism and achievement. I know they'll provide the impartial review of Government we need to implement our plan for change," Leon Guerrero said.
Okada has been president/CEO of GCC since June 2007. Prior to serving as president/CEO, Dr. Okada held several finance-related positions in the public and private sectors. She currently serves on several local, regional, and national workforce and postsecondary education organizations. Okada holds a B.A. In Business Administration in Accounting and Management, an M.P.A. in Public Administration from the University of Guam, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.
Souder served as special assistant for Cultural Affairs in the Ricardo J. Bordallo Administration. She was also a member of the Gutierrez/Bordallo Transition Team. Laura is currently a MARC research associate, a member of the Kumision I Fino’ CHamoru and provides transformational leadership training at GCC and professional development for teachers at GDOE.
The Guam Election Commission is expected to certify the results of the 2018 general election on Nov. 23.
“Out of respect for this process, the governor and lt. governor-elect do not anticipate holding any public meetings, conduct interviews, or news briefings until the results have been certified,” the transition team said in a press release.
Leon Guerrero on Tuesday met with Gov. Eddie Calvo at the Ricardo J Bordallo Complex to discuss an initial framework to ensure a smooth transition between administrations. It was the first of several that are expected to take place between the outgoing governor and his successor as well as representatives from their respective offices.
“I am grateful to Governor Calvo for meeting with me. We had a good conversation that focused on cooperation between his Administration and our Transition Team. I am confident, by his assurances, that collaboration will occur at the highest level of his Administration and the Gubernatorial Transition Team led by Drs. Mary Okada and Laura Torres Souder,” Leon Guerrero said.