Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Medical Center Authority says they requested the resignation of LBJ Hospital Comptroller Ms Tulili Tone Maugaotega because her job performance was not at a standard acceptable to their organization, according to a response on behalf of the LBJ Chief Executive Office, Dr. Akapusi Ledua to Samoa News queries about the comptroller’s claim that it was “the prevailing hostile work environment” that prompted her resignation.

“The determination to request her resignation was not taken lightly and was the result of months of opportunities to improve her performance,” ASMCA said in their press release, dated Jan. 27, 2024, in response to a Samoa News query of Maugaotega’s resignation.

The press release states that “while it is the American Samoa Medical Center’s policy not to comment on adverse employment actions, based on recent news articles, it is clear that Ms.  Maugaotega has chosen to share her resignation letter and speak openly regarding her resignation.

“Ms. Maugaotega was provided with the opportunity to resign in lieu of termination. 

“This option was provided to Ms. Maugaotega because although her performance has not been at a standard that was acceptable in our organization, to our knowledge she had not violated the code of conduct.”

KHJ reported on Maugaotega’s resignation, citing her letter of resignation, a copy of which was obtained by KHJ News. In the letter, addressed to the Chief Financial Officer, Sefania Kaumaitotoya, she is reported as being “given an ultimatum” and had “no other choice, but to resign from my position as controller [sic].”

The letter, according to KHJ, says that Maugaotega claims she is being blamed for the CFO’s shortcomings and that the CFO created an “intimidating and threatening environment that is not conducive for the needs of the Finance Department”.

Maugaotega explains that “I regret that I have made this decision [resignation] due to the prevailing hostile work environment that I no longer want to endure.

“Despite my multiple written and verbal grievances, and EEO discrimination complaint submitted to management with no resolution, I will resign to ensure a smooth transition without any disruption to the finance operation.”

The ASMCA media release states that LBJ “is unaware” of any claims — EEO complaints of discrimination — filed before the EEOC by Maugaotega.

It further denies any discrimination against the former LBJ comptroller, saying instead that Maugaotega was “held to a performance standard she was unwilling or unable to achieve, and she chose to resign.”

The statement explains that Maugaotega “was provided with multiple trips off island for training. 

“However, the trainings did not make a demonstrable improvement in her performance, as shown by continued errors and inaccuracies in her work.”

KHJ reports Maugaotega’s resignation letter concluding that she is “grateful for the support of my colleagues, and the valuable experiences gained while being a positive contributor to the financial success of the organization especially the first ever unqualified opinion audit in 2022.

“A kind reminder, it was my work and format revisions to the FY2024 LBJ budget that is being utilizied by the hospital’s financial system while your budget was rejected three times by the Fono.”

The medical center’s statement concludes that it “will continue to hold employees accountable for their performance. 

“We will not lower our standards or expectations for our employees because we have a responsibility to the people of American Samoa to ensure excellence from all of our employees.”

Maugaotega’s resignation takes effect 30 days from January 23, but Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, was reported to be her last day on the job.

CORRECTION:  This report was corrected to show that KHJ obtained the letter rather than it being provided to them by Mrs. Maugaotega.