Washington, D.C. — Aumua Amata today named her top staff for her Capitol Hill and American Samoa offices. “I am pleased to announce that Leafaina "Ina" Tavai Yahn will join American Samoa’s congressional office as Chief of Staff and will be based in the Washington office while High Chief Pulu Ae will head up the congressional office in American Samoa as District Director.”

Tavai enjoys the distinction of being the first Samoan to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York where she graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as an active duty officer in the US Army Ordnance Corps. She retired in November at the rank of full colonel.

“I am really blessed that Ina’s retirement came so recently and that I could entice her to congressional service before the private sector could snap her up,” said Amata in making the announcement. “She has the proven leadership abilities that will be crucial to managing a congressional staff.” 

Yahn’s most recent assignment prior to retirement was as Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (G-4) for First Army in Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. Earlier she commanded the 404th Army Field Support Brigade. In addition to her B.S. degree from West Point, Yahn has an Executive Masters in Business Administration (EMBA) from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas and a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

To manage American Samoa’s on-island congressional office, Amata has selected her Campaign Chairman and Senior Advisor, grassroots activist and highly respected former faipule High Chief Pulu Ae from Ma'oputasi County. A resident of Pago Pago village, Pulu, who served several terms in the House of Representatives, most recently served as Governor Lolo’s troubleshooter on educational infrastructure issues. Like Ina Tavai, Pulu is an Army veteran.