Samoa Human Resources Institute elects first woman President

APIA, SAMOA – 22 AUGUST 2022: The Samoa Human Resources Institute (SHRI) has elected its first woman President, Ms. Fatalevave Ianesi Faasisila-Enosa, who takes over the reins from founding Member, Mr Nonu Lemauga Saleimoa Vaai who has stepped down after 5 years at the helm.

The election of officers conducted by the OEC (Office of the Electoral Commission) was held online from Tuesday, 9th to Friday 12th August following the SHRI 2022 AGM. This shift to online voting enabled many of the Members to vote online.

According to outgoing President Mr Vaai, “SHRI leadership is due for a change. The last 5 years at the helm has been very challenging and rewarding so I believe it is fitting that SHRI welcomes a new Executive team who can bring in new perspective and new thinking to take the Institute forward in the next phase of its journey.”

Mr Vaai further added that the challenge continues for the Institute in terms of recognition of the value of the role of HR in any organisation. “Often we hear that people are our most important and valuable resource. Yet they are often treated as expenses rather than as investments that could place the organisation at a strategic edge of development and competition.”

Vaai is confident that the new Executive which comprise of a diverse group of HR leaders, professionals and practitioners from across the different sectors of the Samoa workforce would progress the SHRI agenda to the next level particularly in responding to the changing global employment environments and the age of digital transformation in light of the most recent COVID-19 pandemic and the shift in the way everyone works.

Ms Faasisila-Enosa is currently the Principal Advisor at the Prime Minister’s Office with over 15 years’ experience at the Management level in HR and Policy Management.

“SHRI is an instrumental association to drive the recognition of human resource as a profession. It is also a solid conduit for passionate practitioners to meet, share and learn. The priority of the new Executive is to formalize the accreditation of the profession’s competency standards. The opportunities thereafter for professional growth is endless. To our new team – Sagai ane aua le faatamasoali’iga o lenei tausaga!”

Members of SHRI’s new Executive.

The new President and Executive Team acknowledges with appreciation the great work, tireless efforts and persistence by the past President and Executives in driving the SHRI agenda including the establishment of the SHRI Office at its current location despite very limited resourcing. The Team is also excited to engage and work collaboratively with all the SHRI members on plans for the Institute and the future.

The CEO of UTOS, Mr Tevaga Viane Tevaga has been re-elected as Vice President for a third term. Ms Loau Davina Rasch Salanoa, Director Corporate Services for the Office of the Ombudsman/NHRI Samoa, is the new Treasurer; and Senior HR Officer for SPREP, Ms Luana Jamieson is the new Secretary.

The Independent Executive Members are Ms Tuu’u Simeamativa Vaai, Director HR of SPREP, Mr Pati Mualia, Principal Consultant of Ropati Mualia Consult and Mr Toleafoa Chris Brown, ICT Consultant of BROWNSYSTECH.

SHRI was officially launched in November 2018 with its Head Office at Tuutuuleloloto Hall, Mulivai, Apia. Further information on SHRI is available on its website: https://shrisamoa.ws.