Meet Our Team
Board of Directors
Palau Aquatics is managed by a 9-member board of directors. Officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer) are elected for two-year terms by members meeting at the annual general meeting held during the first quarter of each calendar year. At-large members are elected for one-year terms. An athlete representative is selected by swimmers participating in the PAF competitive swim programs.
Judy Otto, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT
President Judy Otto has competed in swimming, open water, and artistic swimming. She co-founded Palau Swimming in 1998 and has served in various administrative roles in addition to teaching, coaching, and leading water aerobics. She is Treasurer of Palau National Olympic Committee, Vice-President of Oceania Aquatics, and a member of the World Aquatics Bureau. Although “in, on, under, and around the water is her passion”, in her professional life, she is a professor in public health and works as a sustainable development consultant.
Pasquana Flowers
VICE PRESIDENT
Vice President Pasquana Flowers has served on the PAF board since 20XX. She has coached the Koror State swim team since 20XX and held leadership roles in va’a, triathlon, and soccer. In her professional life, she works for the Koror State Legislature.
Ikelau Otto
SECRETARY
Secretary Evelyn Ikelau Otto is an Olympic swimmer (Athens, 2004). In addition to swimming, she is President of the Palau Olympian and Athletes Commission (POAC) and President of Palau Canoe and Water Sports Association. In her professional life, she is Chief Researcher for Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC).
Yoko Nogami-Nestor
TREASURER
Treasurer Yoko Nogami has served on the PAF board since 2022. She is the mother of two ‘up-and-coming’ swimmers and teaches Japanese at Palau High School.
Jennifer Akiwo
AT-LARGE MEMBER
Jennifer Akiwo has served on the PAF Board since 20XX. ...more to come...
Yuiko Hosei
AT-LARGE MEMBER
Yuiko Hosei has served on the PAF Board since 2022 and is the mother of two Olympic swimmers (Paris, 2024). She supports PAF as a technical official in swimming and open water and coordinates club social functions. She currently works for the Japan Embassy in Palau.
Annabel Lyman
AT-LARGE MEMBER
Annabel Lyman has been a member of the PAF board since 2010. Previously serving as Vice-President and Secretary, she is currently PAF’s primary liaison for World Aquatics relations. Beyond her work with PAF, Annabel is an active participant in the Palau Sailing Association and a public health advocate, with a focus on tobacco prevention and control.
Kaoru Ruluked
AT-LARGE MEMBER
Kaoru Ruluked has served on the PAF board since 2022. She started swimming at the age of 4 and has competed in swimming, open water, artistic swimming, triathlon, and surfing. She has over 30 years experience as a swim coach in Japan, Hawaii, and Palau. In her professional life she works for the Japan Mine Action Service, an NGO helping Palau clear munitions left behind after World War II.
Gina Sakurai
AT-LARGE MEMBER
Gina Sakurai has served on the PAF Board since 2020 and is the former treasurer. In her professional life, she is an accountant who works for NECO Corporation.
Jion Hosei
ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVE
Jion Hosei is the Athlete Representative to the PAF Board and Chair of the PAF Athlete Committee. He started swimming at a very young age achieved Olympian status in 2024. A 2025 high school graduate, he will continue his academic studies in Taiwan in the fall of 2025.
Heesoo Choi
ALTERNATE ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVE
Heesoo Choi is the Alternate Athlete Representative. She has swimming from a young age.
Staff
Though a small team, Palau Aquatics Federation’s dedicated staff works tirelessly to create a safe, efficient, and successful environment for all PAF beneficiaries. The Head Coach is responsible for all aspects of the swimming program, from developing training plans and techniques to leading team practices and competitions. The Pool Operator ensures a safe, clean, and well-maintained aquatic environment by monitoring and adjusting chemical levels, performing regular maintenance on pool equipment, and adhering to all safety regulations. The Administrative Assistant provides crucial support by managing scheduling, handling communications, processing registrations, and assisting with the day-to-day operations of the facility.
Jimmy Jonas, Head Coach
Head Coach Jimmy Jonas, Jr. is a paddler and swimmer who started work for Palau Aquatics in 2013. Initially serving as Pool Operator and later Assistant Coach, Jimmy was appointed Head Coach in 2021 and in 2024 added the duties of Sports Development Officer under the auspices of the Palau National Olympic Committee.
Bill Ngirarsaol, Pool Operator
Pool operator, Bill Ngirarsaol, has worked for Palau Aquatics since 2023. In his spare time, Bill is an avid va’a competitor. He is also employed by the local utilities provider, Palau Public Utilities Corporation.
Lilian H. Sadamori, Admininstrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant Lilian Sadamori is an experienced administrative professional with international experience in Singapore, Malaysia, and Palau. She’s certified in swimming and triathlon officiating, coaching, and first aid. She is the mother of two young athletes active in national sports. Lilian brings dedication, organization, and community spirit to every role she undertakes.
Volunteers
Our volunteers are truly essential to the success of the federation. They generously give their time to help us with a wide range of activities and assist with various important tasks. Whether they’re helping out with swimming practices and classes or pitching in with other on-site needs, their dedication is what keeps our programs running so smoothly and effectively. We are incredibly grateful for their willingness to lend a hand and help us build a strong community.
Kaoru Ruluked
Kaoru Ruluked is a passionate sports project coordinator and swimming coach with over 10 years experience in Palau. Kaoru originated from Japan and came to Palau by marriage. She herself started swimming at the age of 4. She has competed in synchronized swimming, triathlon, surfing in Japan and coaching swimming for over 30 years. Based on her coaching experience in Japan, Hawaii, and Palau, she is impressed by the exceptional physical abilities and potential of the Palauan people.
Nicholas “Nick” Krake
Nick Krake—swim dad, coach, technical official, pastor, and missionary - got involved in teaching and coaching in 2016 to support his daughter and found that he really loves being on deck – teaching, coaching or just cheering them on. “Being part of this team and this community is a real joy, and I’m thankful for every chance I get to encourage and support these young athletes.”