Benigno Fitial was sworn in as governor of the Northern Mariana Islands on January 9, 2006.

In his prior years in government service, he served as a public radio news director, budget analyst, budget officer and chief administrative officer. Fitial also served in the private sector as president of banking, insurance, travel, transportation and other large scale businesses. Additionally, he has served as chairman, founder, delegate and member for numerous political and civic organizations.

Fitial was elected to the 2 nd , 3 rd , 4 th , 5 th , 12 th , and 14 th CNMI House of Representatives where he held various ranking positions such as Minority Leader, Vice Speaker and Speaker throughout his six terms in office.

Fitial was re-elected in 2009 for a second term. On February 20, 2013, Governor Fitial resigned from office.

Fitial holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Guam and is recognized as a “Distinguished Alumni.”