Frankie is currently the Vice President for Administration and Advancement at the Northern Marianas College. He has played an integral leadership role in NMC recovery efforts in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yutu. His work on NMC marketing and branding efforts has been recognized nationally, and he was named Communicator of the Year in the District VI (Western U.S.) region of the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations. In addition to serving on the MINA Board, he has served as chair of the Northern Marianas Humanities Council and serves on the board of governors of the Asia Pacific Association for Fiduciary Studies.Frankie received his MBA degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Somia T. Quan, Vice Chairperson
Somia was born and raised on Saipan and returned home after completing her MBA at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Motivated by her love of the islands’ beaches and jungles, she is passionate about the preservation and protection of Micronesia’s precious resources and fragile ecosystems, and brings this passion to MINA’s board of directors. She is the corporate projects manager of J.C.Tenorio Enterprises Inc.’s business development division.
Ron Smith, Secretary
Ron Smith is the founder and President of Angil Design, Inc. and Atdao Systems. An advocate of alternative energy and sustainable living, Ron has been involved in environmental issues since 1981. Since coming to Saipan in 1995, he has embraced the ocean as a Divemaster, Hobie Cat sailor and Kayaker. He earned his Associates in Liberal Arts degree from NMC in 2003.
Tania P. David, Treasurer
Tania David is the Branch Manager for the Bank of Guam in Saipan. She also serves as a board member on the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority (CEDA). She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the NMC School of Business in May 2023.
Fran Castro, Board Member
Fran works for the University of Guam Sea Grant as the Associate Director focusing on program growth, environmental conservation, and sustainability. She's the owner and President of Blue Solutions, a management consultancy specializing in environmental sustainability. She previously worked at the CNMI's Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality (BECQ) as the Director of the Division of Coastal Resources Management (DCRM). She's been working in the conservation field for over 25 years. Fran is a founding member of MINA and participated in the initial non-governmental organizations' workshop which inspired the birth of MINA. Fran has been on the MINA Board of Directors since 2005. She previously held the MINA Chair position from 2007-2011 and 2017-2024. She earned a master's degree in environmental management from Duke University in 2023.
Sean E. Frink, Board Member
An attorney and partner in the Marianas Legal Strategy Group. Sean has been representing the businesses and people of the Northern Marianas for more than 20 years, has served on and advised countless NGO boards, and worked as a volunteer in many positions throughout his career in support of strengthening the rule of law in the Marianas
Don Hess, Board Member
Don is retired but previously was the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI). He has been involved in conservation and environmental education for over 20 years. Don helped develop the marine science program and marine conservation certificate program at CMI. He is also one of the founders of the Marshall Islands Conservation Society. Don has helped author the Reimaanlok – National Conservation Area Plan for the Marshall Islands and the Facilitator’s Guide to Implementing the Reimaanlok Conservation Planning Process.
