Three new ACEOs for the Ministry of Family & Social Affairs

Apia, SAMOA – 01 October 2026 – The Ministry of Family and Social Affairs (MFSA) has begun October with welcoming three Assistant Chief Executive Officers to its senior leadership team as it transitions from the previous Ministry of Women and the establishment of a separate entity in the District Development Authority.

The officers are:

• Ana Leau Va‘asa-Te‘o: ACEO, Women, Men and Social Inclusion
• Aufai Alan Aiolupotea: ACEO, Sector Coordination and Community Engagement
• Felila Maleifua: ACEO, Research, Policy and Planning

Their appointments mark an important step in strengthening the leadership and institutional capacity of MFSA as the Ministry continues its transition and builds the systems, workforce and culture required to serve Samoa’s people and families.

The Minister of MFSA, Moefaauouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai welcomed the appointments and emphasised the importance of strong leadership as the new Ministry establishes itself.

“This Ministry carries responsibilities that touch directly on the wellbeing of our families, our communities and some of our most vulnerable people,” he said.

MFSA also acknowledged the significant support of the Samoa Public Service Commission throughout the Ministry’s transition and establishment.

PSC’s statutory responsibilities include public service human resource planning, policy, monitoring and support to ministries.

The ACEOs with the Minister of MFSA, Moefaauouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai and Chief Executive Officer Loau Donina Tili Va‘a.

Commissioner Ape Leulumoega Sofara congratulated the three ACEOs and recognised the importance of building a strong senior leadership team during a period of institutional change, during this morning contract signing. “

These appointments come at an important time for a Ministry that is still building and transitioning. Senior leaders have a critical role in providing stability, supporting their people, strengthening systems and ensuring that service delivery continues. We congratulate the new ACEOs and look forward to their contribution to a strong and professional public service.”

Chief Executive Officer Loau Donina Tili Va‘a said all three leaders bring heart-led leadership, strong institutional knowledge and a genuine determination to do better for the people and families MFSA serves. Central to that commitment is MFSA’s No Wrong Door approach wherever a person or family enters the Ministry, they should be listened to, supported and connected to the right pathway.

“Welcome to our Va‘a. We may each hold a different paddle and carry different responsibilities, but we are in the same canoe. Leadership is not measured by the title we carry, but by the lives we strengthen, the trust we honour and the service we leave behind.”

Loau encouraged the new ACEOs to lead with compassion and accountability, protect their integrity and never allow difficult issues to remain unresolved.

“Lead with heart, but also with courage. Be fair, be wise and be consistent. If something does not feel right, do not sit with it, raise it, seek advice and escalate when necessary. Look after your people, uphold the standard, and leave people stronger because you led them.”

Together, MFSA continues working towards its vision: Every person and family is safe, included and thriving.