Acting DOF Secretary Prioritizes Single Audits and Fiscal Stability Efforts

Saipan, MP — Natalia M. Sablan has been appointed Acting Secretary of Finance following the leave and approaching departure of former Secretary Tracy Norita on October 18, 2026, ensuring continuity of fiscal leadership within the Department of Finance. In her capacity as ASOF, Sablan is prioritizing completion of the CNMI’s 2024 and 2025 single audits and coordinating closely with Governor David M. Apatang’s administration to address anticipated shortfalls in the upcoming fiscal year.

The Commonwealth continues to manage ongoing financial pressures resulting from Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, reinforcing the Department’s commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship and interagency collaboration.

About Acting Secretary Natalia M. Sablan

Natalia M. Sablan joined the Department of Finance in January 2025 as the Internal Auditor, where the position operates under the direct supervision of the Secretary of Finance. In this role, she is responsible for reviewing, analyzing, preparing, and amending legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures; assisting division directors with operational assessments, policy development, and management improvements; and providing indirect supervision to Senior, Technical, and Financial Analysts within the Office of the Secretary of Finance.

Sablan holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Phoenix (2016) and an Associate in Applied Science in Business—Business Management and Accounting from Northern Marianas College (2006). Prior to joining the Department of Finance, she served as Comptroller for the CNMI Public School System from July 2023 to January 2025. Her earlier professional experience includes serving as an External Auditor/Accountant at Burger, Comer, Magliari from 2017 to 2023, along with accounting and teller positions at NM Tech, First Hawaiian Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank.

Her extensive financial background and public-sector experience position her to lead the Department during a period of ongoing fiscal challenge and critical recovery efforts.

Contact

For more information regarding this announcement, please contact the Department of Finance at Phone: (670) 664-1100

 Email: info@dof.gov.mp