Gov.-elect Tony Ada and Lt. Gov.-elect E.J. Calvo said their incoming administration will open cabinet and senior staff positions to public applicants, with an emphasis on professional experience, qualifications, and commitment to public service rather than political affiliation.
During their first press conference as governor and lieutenant governor-elect, the two outlined plans to establish an online application portal where interested residents, including current government employees, can submit resumes and apply for positions within the incoming administration.
Jadeen Perez, who will chair the transition team’s Committee on Administration and Appointees, said the committee plans to begin accepting applications after the election results are certified on Nov. 19.
Applicants will undergo background checks and an evaluation of their qualifications before the committee submits recommendations to Ada and Calvo.
Ada said the application process will be open to anyone interested in serving, including members of the current administration.
“The bottom line is, everybody working together, regardless of party affiliation,” Ada said. “Election is over. Now it’s time for everybody to come together and work together.”
The incoming administration has also established three principal transition committees to guide the transfer of government responsibilities. The Committee on Government Operations and Efficiency, chaired by Nate Denight, will review the operations of government agencies, identify opportunities to improve efficiency, and assess existing challenges. The Committee on Administration and Appointees will oversee the recruitment and evaluation of potential cabinet members and senior staff, while the Committee on Inaugural Arrangements, chaired by Piti Mayor Jesse Alig, will coordinate inauguration preparations.
Denight said the government operations committee will establish additional subcommittees to review the island’s 52 government agencies. The committees will meet with agency management and staff to identify what is working, what needs improvement, and what resources may be needed.
Their findings will be compiled into a final transition report outlining each department’s current situation, objectives, and recommendations. Transition chair Jerry Crisostomo said the report will help Ada and Calvo determine their administration’s priorities and guide appointments ahead of their expected Jan. 4 start in office.
Ada said the incoming administration will first focus on completing a smooth transition and assessing the government’s financial position and operational needs before determining its immediate priorities.
One policy direction the incoming administration has already identified is a dedicated executive leadership position for tourism and destination development, separate from economic development. Calvo said they may be the first administration ever to dedicate an executive position to the industry of tourism.
“The position we’re looking at is actually tourism and destination development, separate from economic development, which is important,” Calvo said, “I think that would probably have fallen under economic development in the past, but we need to look at diversifying our economy and also protecting other growing industries separately.”
Ada said the position would reflect tourism’s significant impact on Guam’s economy and employment, particularly as the island’s tourism industry continues to face challenges.
When asked about their first 100 days in office, Ada said the administration will begin implementing its campaign plans after evaluating the government’s needs and establishing its leadership team. Calvo identified tourism, economic development, federal relations, and education as among the areas that will require attention.
When asked what the new administration is most excited to begin working on as they work toward a smooth government transition, they said they plan to continue monthly community cleanups, which began during the campaign.
“We want to still get out there and keep our community clean,” Ada said. “We want to ensure that, as we continue to move along within the first 100 days of our administration, that we start implementing our plans and get it to what we said during our campaign. You’re going to start seeing the implementation of those plans come to fruition.”
Ada and Calvo said they will seek guidance from former Republican governors and lieutenant governors to assist with the transition. Those invited to serve as honorary transition advisers include former governors Felix Camacho and Eddie Calvo, along with former lieutenant governors Ray Tenorio, Mike Cruz and Kaleo Moylan.
The transition team says additional appointments and opportunities for public participation will be announced in the coming weeks. Updates are expected through the incoming administration’s website and social media platforms.
