Senate committee holds public hearing on Janice Tenorio nomination to Northern Marianas College Board of Regents

The Senate standing committee on executive appointments and government investigations held a public hearing Oct. 2 to consider the nomination of Janice A. Tenorio to serve on the Northern Marianas College (NMC) Board of Regents representing the Third Senatorial District.

The hearing, chaired by Senator Francisco Q. Cruz, drew testimony from the governor’s representative, the nominee, NMC officials and a string of supporters from education and the private sector. Tenorio outlined her connection to the college and pledged to support students, workforce development and partnerships if confirmed.

Committee chair Senator Francisco Q. Cruz called the hearing to order and introduced members of the panel before inviting Jean Paul B. Regis, special assistant for administration in the Office of the Governor, to present the nomination. Regis said the appointment was made by Governor David M. Apatang and Lieutenant Governor Dennis Mendiola and summarized Tenorio’s education and experience, noting a Bachelor of Science from Boise State University (1988) and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University (1998).

Janice A. Tenorio testified under oath. “Education has always been the center of my passion and my career,” Tenorio said. She said she would “work collaboratively with my fellow regents, college leadership, and our community partners to strengthen programs, support students’ success, and assure that NMC continues to be a place where people can access quality higher education and training.” Tenorio described prior roles in student services at NMC, leadership on the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation board and on the CNMI State Board of Education, and current work in telecommunications management at IT&E.

Northern Marianas College President Galvin de Leon Guerrero spoke in support, describing the college’s expansion of facilities and programs and saying Tenorio’s mix of private- and public-sector experience would be useful. “This is a critical time for the college as we build new facilities, launch innovative new programs, and shine as a beacon of hope for The Marianas,” de Leon Guerrero said, later closing his remarks with the college’s motto: “stay safe, stay calm, and sail on.”

Jesse M. Tudella, chairperson of the NMC Board of Regents, told the committee NMC had multiple vacancies on the board and that the appointment would help restore the board’s capacity. Tudella said the institution currently had three vacancies; confirmation of Tenorio would reduce that number by one.

Multiple written and oral testimonials were entered in support of Tenorio. Witnesses who spoke in favor included NMC staff and alumni, private-sector managers and education officials: Frankie Elliptico (NMC staff), Kevin Bautista (director to the NMC president, speaking in a personal capacity), Lawrence Camacho (commissioner of education, CNMI Public School System), Maggie Sablan (community member), Reyna Linna Tow (community member), and Natasha Tomakani (former IT&E colleague). The committee secretary reported six additional written letters in support from public figures and community members; no written opposition had been received as of the hearing.

Committee members asked Tenorio how she would help NMC address workforce gaps, particularly in health care fields such as nursing. Senator Manny Castro and other senators raised concerns about a projected loss of temporary CW workers and the approaching 2029 end date for a CW-related transition, and a referenced federal change that would increase visa costs. Tenorio said she would pursue stronger partnerships among NMC, the public school system (PSS), Northern Marianas Technical Institute (NM Tech), the Workforce Investment Agency and private-sector employers to expand dual‑enrollment pathways, accelerated and nontraditional options, and internship pipelines.

Senators also discussed specific workforce challenges: long waits to enter nursing programs, the need for more accelerated or expanded prerequisites, and retention of locally trained workers who are often hired away by private contractors. Several senators urged that NMC align curriculum and capacity with employer needs and expand career-technical training alongside academic programs.

The committee recorded that the nominee had submitted required application materials and that an oath was administered prior to testimony. Committee staff noted that six written letters of support had been received and that no written opposition had been filed. The hearing concluded without a confirmation vote; the record and written testimonies will be forwarded to the full Senate for consideration.

Votes and formal actions recorded during the session included a motion to adopt the agenda and a motion to adjourn; both motions were seconded and carried. No confirmation vote on Tenorio’s nomination took place at this hearing.

If confirmed by the full Senate, Tenorio will take a seat on the NMC Board of Regents and join ongoing college efforts to expand facilities and workforce-oriented programs. The committee’s recommendation and the submitted written testimonies will be included in the packet forwarded to the full Senate.

Speakers cited in this report appear in the committee record and provided testimony or questions during the hearing.