The Institute of Internal Auditors awarded OPA Analyst Robert Torres the Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP) designation last December 15, 2004. Robert sat for and passed the difficult CGAP examination in November 2004. He is the first CNMI resident to have been awarded the professional designation.

 CGAPs are members of a growing group of professionals who have met the challenge of certification and, through this achievement, have proven their knowledge of government auditing.

Robert joined OPA in 2002 after graduating from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas with a degree in Economics. In addition to in-house audit training, Robert was also one of four OPA analysts who took part in a 3 month OPA-OIG Auditor Training Program at the DOI Inspector General’s Sacramento, California office in 2003. He served as a staff auditor in OPA’s audit of CHC nurse hiring practices, released in 2003, and is currently completing an audit on the Department of Labor’s non-resident worker permitting processes.

In commending Robert for his latest achievement, Public Auditor Mike Sablan also encouraged all OPA staff to continue to take full advantage of professional development opportunities and work toward recognized professional certifications. "Professional certifications, such as the CGAP, are distinguishing marks," noted Sablan. "Robert’s professional credibility as a government auditor has been enhanced significantly through his certification from the Institute of Internal Auditors," Sablan added.

Robert is the son of Rosita C. Torres and the late Joseph W. Torres, and is married to Carla Coldeen with whom they are expecting their first child in March 2005.