Authority welcomes new chief executive officer

THE Imbonggu development authority now has a new chief executive officer (CEO) replacing Paias Puk, who resigned to contest the Jiwaka governor’s seat in the 2022 National Elections.
In a handover-takeover ceremony on Friday at Walume office, Puk’s deputy Joseph Timothy, from lower Mendi local level government (LLG) officially took over as new CEO.
Present for the event were local MP Pila Niningi, LLG presidents and councillors from the district, Puk’s relatives and others.
Puk said he came as a young man to Southern Highlands and all his children were born in the province.
He said after being in the province for nearly 40 years, it was time to step aside and start a next chapter of his life.
“I am a Southern Highlander, this decision did not come lightly, I worked with an incredibly supportive and innovative team, I am leaving a position I love,” he said.
“No CEO accomplishes anything alone and so many people are involved in the truly transformative achievements, the same support must be given to my successor.”
Timothy, who is also a 30-year veteran of the district’s public service, said the district had not had such handover ceremonies and the process had been gratifying and touching.
He thanked Niningi, who is Minister for Inter-Government Relations, for his work in supporting the public service system and its merit-based appointments.
Timothy said districts were likely to see change and transformation if appointments were done professionally and according to merit.
He is a former councillor who was promoted to an adviser for councillors and had also served as a kiap and deputy administrator.