Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) – The Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) held an election of Board officers today (Aug. 21) at its monthly board meeting. The Board affirmed Gloria Cavanagh of MB Capital Corp. to continue as chairperson, Jamika Taijeron of DFS Saipan to continue as vice-chairperson, and Marvin Deleon Guerrero of Bank Pacific to continue as Treasurer. Vicky Benavente of Benavente & Associates was voted to serve as Secretary. Cavanagh, Benavente, and Masaru Sunaga were sworn in as Board members yesterday (Aug. 20) by CNMI Governor Arnold I. Palacios following their election to the Board at the MVA general membership meeting in July, along with Ivan Quichocho of Tan Holdings Corp. “We welcome Director Vicky Benavente to the Board of Directors and the position of Secretary,” said Cavanagh. “With her experience and knowledge of the MVA - it’s processes and procedures -it’s welcomed knowledge that will help us our in decision-making moving forward.” Four members of the board of directors are elected bi-annually by MVA members. Five members of the board are appointed by the Governor and include Taijeron, Deleon Guerrero, Warren Villagomez representing Tinian, and Sachiko Gerrard of Aqua Resort Club Saipan; the appointment for Rota representative is pending Senate approval.

The Marianas is an archipelago of 14 islands - including Saipan, Tinian, and Rota - in the Western Pacific. The Marianas are home to indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian people, as well as over 20 different ethnicities from around the world who live and work in this harmonious tropical paradise. Ancient latte stone limestone monoliths, traditional nature-based ocean navigation not reliant on modern technology, and a culture seasoned by East and West influences are just a few of the experiences found in The Marianas, where 

pristine sea, sand, and skies are only a 3–4-hour flight from major Asian gateway cities. From South Korea, Jeju Air, and T’Way provide direct flights to Saipan from Seoul-Incheon. United Airlines flies three times a week from Tokyo-Narita, Japan, and daily from Guam. Hong Kong Airlines flies twice weekly from Hong Kong. Interisland travel between Saipan, Tinian, and Rota is provided by Star Marianas Air. For more information on The Marianas, visit www.mymarianas.com, Facebook/VisitTheMarianas, or Instagram @themarianas. 

###