Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The resignation of American Samoa Shipyard Services Authority Chief Executive Officer Carlos Sanchez was publicly confirmed by Governor Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula during his press conference last week, bringing to a close a long tenure that saw significant changes at the government-owned shipyard.

Responding to questions from KHJ News Director Monica Miller, Governor Pulaali'i confirmed that Sanchez had submitted his resignation and that it had been accepted. The Governor said the matter would now be referred to the Shipyard Services Authority Board of Directors, which will be responsible for beginning the search for a new chief executive.

"He did hand in his resignation, and I have accepted it," Pulaali'i said. "The Board will be notified, and I want them to begin looking for a new CEO."

While acknowledging Sanchez's departure, the Governor took time to commend his contributions to the shipyard and the progress made during his years at the helm.

"I want to say this: Carlos has been a magnificent person in the service that he has provided," Pula stated. "I visited the shipyard before I became governor when it was under former CEO Bill Emmsley. Compared to what Carlos has done, it's magnificent. He's done a lot of good."

The Governor added that although Sanchez is known for his strong management style, his leadership had produced tangible results.

"I know most of us know Carlos. Sometimes they say, 'If it's not Carlos' way, it's the highway,'" Pula remarked. "But he has accomplished a lot for the shipyard."

Further details about the resignation emerged during an interview Sanchez gave on the 93KHJ Morning Show, where he said his decision was primarily the result of ongoing disagreements with two members of the Shipyard Services Authority Board.

According to Sanchez, he informed the Governor that he would remain in the position only if board members Timothy Jones and Edgar Feliciano were removed.

When that did not happen, he chose to step down.

His comments indicate that tensions between management and certain board members may have played a significant role in his decision to resign after years of leading the government-owned facility.

Sanchez has been one of the most recognizable figures in American Samoa's maritime industry for more than a decade.

He was initially appointed CEO during the second term of the Togiola-Faoa Administration and later reappointed in February 2021 by former Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga. He continued serving in the position after Governor Pulaali'i took office.

During his tenure, Sanchez oversaw numerous operational and infrastructure improvements at the shipyard, helping expand its capabilities and its role in servicing vessels operating throughout the region.

His leadership coincided with efforts to strengthen the shipyard's financial performance and enhance its reputation as an important maritime asset for the Territory.

With Sanchez's resignation now official, attention turns to the Shipyard Services Authority Board of Directors, which will be tasked with selecting his successor.

Current board members include Krista Haleck, Lei Veavea, Sean Gregg, Solomona Joe Moala, Roman Rishi, Timothy Jones, and Edgar Feliciano.

The board has not yet announced a timetable for identifying a replacement or whether an interim CEO will be appointed while the search is underway.

Sanchez's departure marks a significant leadership transition for one of the Territory's most important government-owned enterprises, and the board's next CEO will inherit responsibility for maintaining operations and building upon the progress made during his lengthy tenure.