MISSA welcomes new Board Members
posted March 18, 2009
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Fredly Mawilong |
Jemi Nashion |
Kunar Abner |
During its meeting on January 9, 2009, the Cabinet approved the appointment of three new members of the MISSA Board of Directors. Their appointments were subsequently confirmed and signed by President Litokwa Tomeing.
Effective January 22, 2009, Fredly Mawilong and Jemi Nashion will take the place of E. Tommy Milne and Jefferson Barton, whose three-year terms have ended on January 21, 2009.
Fredly Mawilong is a long-time resident of Ebeye and has worked in Kwajalein since early 80s. He applied for normal retirement in 2004 but continued working until 2007.
As Ebeye’s representative to the MISSA Board, Mr. Mawilong will play an active role in addressing all social security concerns in Ebeye and Kwajalein.
Jemi Nashion currently holds the post of Assistant Secretary and heads the Budget Division of the Ministry of Finance. Prior to joining the RMI Government, Mr. Nashion worked in the private sector where he gained experience in insurance and retail.
Mr. Milne represented Ebeye and was appointed as Board Member in 2000 and then Board Vice-Chairman from 2003 until his term expired in January 2009. Currently, he is also one of the four MISSA representatives in the BOMI Board. Mr. Milne is currently the Administrator for Ebeye Hospital.
Mr. Barton became a Board Member in 2006 and represented the RMI Government.
Luckner “Kunar” Abner, the incumbent President of the Marshall Islands Association of Retired Persons, was also appointed to the MISSA Board effective March 18, 2009. He will replace Cradle Alfred whose term expires on March 17, 2009. Mrs. Alfred has been with the MISSA Board since 2000.
The RMI President and Cabinet have also reappointed Jack Niedenthal as Member and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Niedenthal was appointed to the Board in 2000 and was voted by the Members to be their Vice-Chairman. He was reappointed in 2003 and 2006 as Board Chairman.
Three incumbent Board Members, Maria K. Fowler, Saeko Shoniber and David Paul were also reappointed. Mrs. Fowler and Mrs. Shoniber were first appointed in 2000 and subsequently reappointed in 2003 and 2006. Mr. Paul joined the Board in 2006.
In their meeting held on January 29, 2009, the Board appointed David Paul as Vice-Chairman. Mr. Paul represents the private sector on the MISSA Board.
In a simple luncheon ceremony held in appreciation to their invaluable contributions to the Administration, the outgoing Board Members were honored and thanked by the incumbent members.
Outgoing Vice-Chairman Tommy Milne was recognized for his nine-year active role in restoring MISSA back to what it is today – a role model in terms of accountability and good governance. Mr. Milne was also very instrumental in resolving key issues affecting Ebeye retirees, workers and employers.
Board Member Jefferson Barton was recognized by the Board for ensuring the timely and consistent bi-weekly remittances of the RMI Government which comprise about 30 percent of MISSA’s total collections. Had the RMI Government remiss of its payments, MISSA would have been in serious cash flow problems in the past.
Board Member Cradle Alfred was also recognized for her continuous support to the Board’s prudent (and sometimes unpopular) decisions to protect the sustainability of the Retirement Fund and the long-term welfare of the majority of current and future retirees.
Despite the recent change in its composition, the incumbent Board remains firm in its mission to continuously improve for the welfare of the people of the Marshall Islands and keep on being diligent and prudent in their roles as fiduciaries of the Retirement Fund.