Dr Vinolia Kilinaivoni Fifita Salesi has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Tonga’s Ministry of Infrastructure, becoming one of only five women currently serving as CEOs across the Government’s 18 ministries and agencies.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) announced the appointment on Friday, saying Dr Salesi, of Maʻufanga, Tongatapu, began a four-year term on September 18.
Her appointment follows more than 16 years in the public service within the Ministry of Infrastructure, where she has held senior management and executive leadership positions.
The PSC said Dr Salesi has extensive experience in inland transportation, infrastructure and civil aviation, as well as strategic and policy leadership and regulatory and operational oversight of the transport sector.
She has also worked on Pacific regional priorities and international partnerships and has experience developing teams and strengthening institutional capability.
Dr Salesi holds a Doctor of Philosophy from Massey University, a Master of Aviation Management from Griffith University in Australia and a Bachelor of Aviation Management from Massey University in New Zealand.
The PSC said her professional experience and academic qualifications equipped her to lead the Ministry in carrying out its responsibilities and supporting the continued development of Tonga’s infrastructure sector.
Her appointment followed an open and competitive recruitment process conducted by the PSC and endorsed by the Commission and Minister for Infrastructure Hon. Tevita Puloka.
The Commission said Dr Salesi was the third CEO appointed since the current PSC began its term in June 2025.
Her appointment also means women now hold five of the 18 CEO positions across the Tongan Government.
The PSC welcomed Dr Salesi to the position and acknowledged the service of the late former Infrastructure CEO Lopeti Heimuli.
Dr Salesi signed her contract on September 18 in the presence of PSC CEO Koenig Tuʻuhetoka, Commission chairperson Tāʻifatu ʻAtaʻata, Infrastructure Minister Puloka and her husband, Mr Leiʻataua Salesi.
