Northern Marianas College announced today that Regent Jesse Masga Tudela, EdD, RRT, is the new chair of the college’s Board of Regents. He succeeds Charles V. Cepeda, who was chair for eight years.
Tudela, chief operations officer for ancillary and support services at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, has served as a regent on the board since 2018. He was named chair during a board meeting May 1, 2025.
“It is with a profound sense of duty and honor that I accept the role of Chairperson of the Northern Marianas College (NMC) Board of Regents. I am deeply humbled by the trust my fellow regents have placed in me, considering the big shoes I have to fill following the departure of former chairperson Charles Cepeda. I pledge to uphold our mission at NMC with the utmost respect and commitment,” Tudela said.
“I pledge to work collaboratively with my fellow NMC Regents on our fiduciary duties, our dedicated administration led by President Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, faculty, staff, and—most importantly—our college students. Together, we will face challenges with resolve and embrace opportunities with vision,” Tudela added.
Alongside Tudela, Elaine Hocog Orilla will continue to serve as vice-chair of the board with regents Michelle Lin Sablan and Bill Cing.
NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, expressed appreciation to Dr. Tudela for accepting the chairmanship, adding that his unique combination of knowledge in healthcare and education will help the college continue its work to meet the evolving workforce and socioeconomic needs of the CNMI.
“On behalf of our entire Proa Tribe, I extend my warmest congratulations to Dr. Jesse Tudela on his appointment as chairman of the NMC Board of Regents. I also express our deepest gratitude to former chairman Charles V. Cepeda for his great leadership and years of service to the college,” said President Deleon Guerrero.
“Dr. Tudela brings a wealth of experience to this important role—as a medical professional, a former educator, and a respected leader in our community. He has already made great and innovative contributions to the college, leading our facilities and program committees. His chairmanship will help ensure that NMC continues to be the beacon of hope for our community and grow as a center of learning, innovation, and opportunity for everyone who calls our islands home. His expertise in healthcare and education will strengthen our ability to prepare the next generation of professionals who will serve and lead in these critical fields. I look forward to working closely with Chairman Tudela and the entire Board of Regents as we continue to sail ahead to lift the tide for everyone.”
Former chair Charles V. Cepeda said he is grateful for the support his fellow board members and NMC employees have given him throughout the years.
“I am thrilled that the board has selected Dr. Jesse Tudela as the new chair of the BOR,” Cepeda said. “I have complete confidence in his leadership abilities, having leaned on him tremendously throughout my term as regent. We have shared countless discussions about the future of NMC and the CNMI, and I am excited to see how Dr. Tudela will steer NMC Proa Sails toward an even brighter future.”
Tudela holds a doctorate in education and leadership healthcare from Nebraska Methodist College, a master’s degree in international studies from Framingham State College, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and an associate degree in respiratory care from Kapiolani Community College.