Q&A with Gina Green: From Rota Roots to Director of Facilities for the Seattle Seahawks

Q: What is your name and your connection to the CNMI?

"My name is Gina Green, and my connection to the CNMI is deeply personal. My mother, Rufina Mendiola (Beamon), is from Rota, and I am proudly Chamorro and African American. Both sides of my heritage have shaped who I am. I was raised with values centered on respect, humility, service, faith, and accountability—principles that continue to guide how I lead, how I treat people, and how I carry responsibility."

Q: Where do you live now and when did you leave the Marianas?

"I currently live in Seattle, Washington, but my family’s roots in the Marianas have always remained central to my identity. My mother came to the mainland seeking opportunity and stability for her family in the 1960’s —a journey that required courage, sacrifice, and faith. I also learned resilience, perseverance, and the importance of community. Even as my career has taken me to different places, my family makes a conscious effort to stay connected with our Chamorro Aunties and Uncles. Social media and regular communication allow us to maintain those bonds and honor both sides of my heritage, no matter the distance."

Q: When did you become Director of Facilities for the Seahawks?

"I was appointed Director of Facilities for Seahawks, Lumen Field in 2025, following many years in senior facilities and operations leadership roles across the Southwest and Pacific Northwest."

Q: How did you get the job and what does it involve?

"My career has been a steady progression through increasingly complex facilities leadership roles in New Mexico and Nevada, managing large-scale operations, diverse teams, and mission-critical infrastructure. Along the way, I learned the importance of inclusive leadership—creating environments where people feel purpose, valued, and supported. Those experiences prepared me for the pace, precision, and collaboration required in professional sports and ultimately led me to this role.

Postseason success brings a whole new level of intensity—longer hours, tighter timelines, and elevated expectations across the board. Facilities play a critical role in supporting that momentum and ensuring everything runs seamlessly during a championship run. As we transition toward the off-season, the pace does not slow. We are hosting the Seattle Sounders, preparing for the FIFA World Cup, welcoming artists like Ed Sheeran, and supporting concerts at the WAMU Theater. It is demanding, but it is incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that supports so many historic moments. For the next week, we are focused on cheering on our Seattle Seahawks to win Super Bowl LX!!"

Q: What does it mean to be a Chamorro woman in this position?

"It’s both an honor and a responsibility. I carry both cultures with me every day, and I understand the importance of representation—especially in spaces where leadership has not always reflected diverse backgrounds. Being a Chamorro and African American woman in this role shows what’s possible and, hopefully, opens doors for others who are watching and dreaming. I lead with intention and purpose, knowing that visibility matters."

Q: What advice do you have for islanders?

"Don’t limit yourself. Stay grounded in your values, seek mentors who will challenge and support you, and remember that leadership is built through consistency, not shortcuts. Your culture and identity are strengths—carry them with pride. Even if your path takes you far from home, you can honor where you come from by how you show up, how you lead, and how you give back."