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Senate committee hears support for Evangelista and Guerrero to join Northern Marianas College Board of Regents
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Summary
A Senate committee on Jan. 28 heard testimony supporting the nominations of Michael N. Evangelista and David B. Guerrero to the Northern Marianas College Board of Regents. Nominees emphasized affordability, accessibility and workforce alignment; college leaders and community members urged confirmation. The committee will forward testimony and its recommendation to the full Senate.
The Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations held a public hearing Jan. 28, 2026, on the nominations of Michael N. Evangelista and David B. Guerrero to the Northern Marianas College Board of Regents.
Chairman Francisco Q. Cruz opened the hearing at the Vice Speaker Suspe Mafnas Memorial Building on Capitol Hill in Saipan, identified committee members and staff, and invited public testimony. Jean Paul B. Regis, special assistant for administration to the governor, introduced the two nominees and said their nomination packets and resumes had been submitted for the record.
David B. Guerrero, who identified himself as an NMC alumnus, described the nomination as a "homecoming" and said his priorities would include completing campus facilities, strengthening student services and financial aid, and aligning the college's curriculum with the job market. "I am committed to the board's vision of stewardship through scholarship," Guerrero said in his opening remarks.
Michael N. Evangelista, a lawyer and former regent, told senators the board's role is to set policy rather than manage day-to-day operations. He listed three priorities he would pursue if confirmed: "affordability, accessibility, and accreditation," and cited recent enrollment figures presented to the committee for spring 2026 and fall 2025.
NMC President Galvin de Leon Guerrero and Board Chair Jesse M. Tudela both testified in support. Galvin de Leon Guerrero said the college is in a period of rebuilding and strategic planning and that the nominees are "uniquely suited to lead the college during this time." Tudela noted Guerrero's banking and advisory experience and Evangelista's prior service on the Board of Regents as reasons to recommend confirmation.
Several members of the public also testified in favor of the nominees. Marissa Flores said the pair's combined legal and financial experience would help NMC navigate changes to programs that support vocational and postsecondary education. Small business owner Steve Jiang told the committee the nominees represent a "perfect pairing" and highlighted potential education-tourism opportunities.
Committee members asked nominees about specific goals and context for NMC's work. Senator Manny Castro asked whether enrollment numbers cited were headcount or full-time equivalent; Evangelista confirmed they were headcount. Senators and nominees discussed partnerships with other institutions (including NM Tech and the public school system), outreach to Rota and Tinian, international student recruitment, and the college's need for sustained funding.
Clerk Mr. Macoranes announced one additional written testimony in support (Jay Santos) and said no written opposition was on file. Chairman Cruz said all oral and written testimony would be included in the committee's recommendation report to the full Senate. The committee closed public comment, received questions from members, and adjourned the hearing.
No final confirmation vote occurred at the hearing; the committee will forward the record and its recommendation to the full Senate for consideration.
