MVA retains former chief Taijeron as temporary consultant during leadership transition

The Marianas Visitors Authority has retained former managing director Jamika Taijeron under a temporary consulting contract to help complete key tourism initiatives and support the agency's leadership transition, according to MVA board chair Warren Villagomez.

In a statement provided to Marianas Press, Villagomez said Taijeron's departure last month came at a critical period for the Commonwealth's tourism industry as it continues recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

"The Marianas Visitors Authority has retained the services of former managing director Jamika Taijeron for a temporary period to complete several key initiatives from her tenure," Villagomez said.

He said Taijeron's departure came "at a critical period for the Marianas tourism industry as the destination continues its post-typhoon recovery, making continuity of leadership and the advancement of key initiatives especially important."

According to Villagomez, Taijeron also serves on several local and federal committees that support tourism recovery and development efforts.

"The disruptions caused by the typhoon delayed or paused a number of priority initiatives, limiting the opportunity to complete a full transition and handover process prior to her departure," he said.

Earlier, Taijeron told Marianas Press the consulting agreement was intended to provide continuity during the transition period.

"The consulting agreement with the Marianas Visitors Authority is a short-term professional services contract. Its primary purpose is to provide continuity during this transition period and ensure an effective handover of ongoing initiatives," Taijeron said.

She said her responsibilities include airline and travel trade engagement, strategic tourism planning, grant and funding support, destination marketing initiatives, and other special projects supporting the recovery and long-term growth of the Marianas tourism industry.

"The contract allows MVA to maintain momentum on key initiatives while ensuring knowledge transfer and continuity," she said.

Neither Villagomez nor Taijeron disclosed the contract's value, Taijeron's compensation, or its duration beyond describing it as temporary or short-term.

Villagomez said the board believes the arrangement complies with applicable requirements but is seeking additional legal guidance.

"The MVA board believes Taijeron's temporary contract is within the confines of all regulations, and we are seeking legal clarity to ensure this," he said.

He added that the board intends to convene a hiring committee to begin the search for MVA's next managing director.

"We remain committed to maintaining momentum on ongoing programs and ensuring continuity throughout this transition period," Villagomez said.

"The board intends to convene a hiring committee in the near future to begin the search for the organization's next managing director and to facilitate a smooth leadership transition."

Villagomez said the tourism body remains focused on rebuilding the visitor industry.

"The MVA remains focused on advancing tourism recovery efforts and strengthening the Marianas visitor industry for the long-term benefit of the community and economy."

The appointment generated mixed reactions on social media, with some residents questioning the timing and transparency of the arrangement.

One commenter, James Brown, wrote, "Resigned on Friday. Consultant on Monday. What exactly changed besides the title and the paycheck?"

Brown also questioned the contract's value, approval process, whether other consultants were considered, and the specific deliverables associated with the agreement.

Another commenter, Buckee Manzanares, urged MVA to place greater emphasis on promoting Rota.

"Imagine trying to get tourists from Guam to see the beautiful island of Rota. It's a 'SHORT' distance. ROTA is pure and with so much untouched history," he wrote.

During her tenure as managing director, Taijeron led MVA's "Far From Ordinary" destination rebranding campaign, which sought to reposition the CNMI as a distinctive visitor destination. The initiative included the hiring of creative agency Circul8, the rollout of a new destination branding strategy, and the introduction of Mira the Dumbo Octopus as the Marianas' tourism mascot.

Marianas Press sent an Open Government Act request for MVA to furnish the contract between MVA and Taijeron at 8pm last June 25. Villagomez, in a social media message to Marianas Press, said they will send a copy of the contract as soon as possible.