The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation board hired its Deputy Executive Director Kevin Watson to be the next executive director for the next two years.

His first day on the job is June 1.

According to board chair Janice Tenorio, Watson will receive a $200k salary. He will also receive $2,000 a month for housing for one year and $1,000 a month for a car for two years.

Tenorio added, “Watson is not new to the corporation and we are very happy for him.”

Watson told KUAM News in a statement today, "I am honored to accept the position of Executive Director for the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC). To be able to serve the community of CNMI and all of our customers. I look forward to leading the organization in a collaborative manner to provide the electrical power, water, and wastewater services to achieve the most affordable rates possible. I am excited in the positive direction CUC is going and the privilege to be a part of it."

The CUC board expressed their gratitude to Betty Terlaje for serving in an acting capacity amid the months-long search amid a stipulated order.

In May, the previous candidate Christopher Theisen withdrew his acceptance of CUC’s offer for the job due to contractual issues.