Rich Salas currently serves as the Director of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ (CNMI) Division of Coastal Resources Management (DCRM). In his capacity as DCRM Director, his responsibilities include managing the day-to-day operations of the CNMI’s Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP) and the Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP); developing and executing strategic plans and actions that promote sustainable economic development through effective planning and coordination; management of DCRM’s financial and grants management systems; and supervising section managers in their duties. Mr. Salas serves as the chairperson of the Coastal Resources Management Board of Agency Officials (CRM Board), where he leads and facilitates the decision-making process regarding permit applications during meetings. Outside of his professional career, Mr. Salas leads an active lifestyle as he is an avid outrigger canoe paddler (va’a), having represented the CNMI in numerous regional and international va’a competitions.

Mr. Salas graduated from Boise State University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies.

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