Governor receives Professor John M. Phillips Excellence in Government Accountability Award

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero was presented with the prestigious Professor John M. Phillips Excellence in Government Accountability Award.

The annual accolade, bestowed by the AGA Guam Chapter, commends government professionals who embody excellence, exemplary leadership, high ethical standards, and innovative management practices.

 “Mr. Phillips was a beloved family friend, mentor, and an expert in finances and accounting. I am truly humbled to be among the esteemed professionals recognized for honoring his legacy. Stabilizing our finances was key to ensuring our government could continue to provide vital public services to our people and expand these services,” said Governor Leon Guerrero during an intimate ceremony late last month.

Governor Leon Guerrero continued, “Through strong fiscal policies, our administration has propelled the government of Guam into unchartered positive financial territory, and I want to thank our team for their tireless work to uplift the lives of the people of Guam and to do so in some of the most challenging times in Guam’s recent history.”

Under the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration, significant financial achievements have been realized.

Within her first term, Governor Leon Guerrero successfully eliminated the $83 million General Fund deficit and ensured the expeditious disbursement of tax refunds.

The administration's sound fiscal policies resulted in a cumulative General Fund surplus for four consecutive years, accompanied by unmodified (clean) opinions from the Department of Administration.

Furthermore, Governor Leon Guerrero revitalized the government’s Rainy Day Fund, contributing approximately $28 million.

This financial success has allowed for public laws that she approved, including the lowering of Business Privilege Taxes for over 80% of business license holders, to 3% (instead of 5%) for those with gross receipts between $50,000 and $500,000, which has supported the island’s small business community.

Governor Leon Guerrero also expanded services to the people of Guam during one of the most difficult times in Guam’s history, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Numerous programs she championed, implemented, and paid out have held up the lives of thousands of families and businesses throughout the pandemic and its lingering impacts on the tourism industry.

The AGA Guam Chapter named the award after Professor John M. Phillips, CGFM, CPA, MBA, recognizing his significant contributions to advancing government accountability in the Pacific region.

Professor Phillips is a charter member of the AGA Guam Chapter and a retired tenured professor of accounting at the University of Guam, dedicated 22 years to his career.