Meet Ginger

MEET GINGER

Ginger Cruz is experienced, credible, and confident. She is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a former Deputy Inspector General with oversight of Iraq reconstruction where she held the civilian equivalent rank of a two-star general. She is a successful private sector CEO in the defense industry, where her company works to maximize local business and workforce content in large federal contracts and make sure they work better for local communities.


Ginger has implemented policy within the executive branch of the federal government and influenced it in the Congress. She has worked with the Secretaries of State and Defense, and eight committees in both the House and Senate.

Ginger is the daughter of a DPW surveyor and a DOE teacher, raised in Dededo and a proud graduate of Guam’s public and private schools. Everything she learned growing up in Guam has contributed to her success and is what drives her to give back and make a difference. 


When she came home from college, her groundbreaking work in Guam media and her growth into policy and communications with two of the most successful administrations in Guam history - Gov. Joe Ada and Gov. Carl Gutierrez – were the basis on which she expanded her knowledge and experience. 


Returning home once again in 2019, Ginger taught Foreign Policy at the University of Guam, worked to promote local small businesses and help people benefit from the massive federal investment occurring in the region, and championed efforts to finally move power lines underground with federal help.


From Guam to Global Impact

Experienced, tough, and effective, Ginger is a known dynamic leader who has developed and influenced local and federal policy at the highest levels. She wants to take those unique skills and experiences to help advance causes important to the people of Guam.


Whether it was at a news desk in Harmon, the halls of power in Washington, D.C., or the war-torn streets of Iraq, Ginger never forgot where she came from.

daughter of a school teacher and dpw surveyor

She is the daughter of Maria Francisco Crunden a Finegayan Elementary teacher and Hugh Crunden, a Public Works surveyor and federal program director who helped build many of the roads we depend on today. Ginger grew up in Liguan Terrace, Dededo, went to school at Harmon Loop Elementary and St. Anthony’s, and graduated from the Academy of our Lady of Guam. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in public policy from Johns Hopkins SAIS.

Trusted Voice in News

Ginger served for years as a trusted news director and television anchor, coming into Guam’s living rooms every evening, keeping the island informed and engaged.

A Champion for Affordable Homes

Her federal career took her to D.C. as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where she focused on expanding housing options for working families during the Clinton administration.

Served as a Pentagon Civilian in Iraq

Based on her reputation for effectiveness, she continued her federal service amidst the challenges of the Iraq War. Ginger forged a 20-year relationship with the Defense Department, serving as deputy inspector general of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction – a civilian position equivalent to a two-star general.

 

Her oversight of the $50 billion reconstruction program not only demonstrated her strength as an executive but also showcased her ability to navigate complex international relations. She interfaced with federal agencies, NATO, the Secretaries of State and Defense, and multiple Committees of Congress in both the Senate and House during the Bush and Obama eras. 

 

Her time with the Inspector General drove home the importance of good government and good governance. The complexities she navigated in this role make her well-suited to handle the political and policy complexities of today’s Congress.


Private Sector Success, Member Council of Foreign Relations

Ginger then transitioned to the private sector, founding a successful defense-related firm with the mission of maximizing local content in large federal contracts. Mantid International’s global reach has expanded its operations over the last 12 years and earned international accolades. Because of her expertise, she was also selected as a lifetime member of the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations.

Returned Home at a Defining Moment

Ginger returned home to Guam in 2019, where she expanded her work to focus on Guam’s role in global defense and the impact that role has on our people and Guam businesses. Ginger also wanted to return to the island to serve the people of Guam in new capacities. In particular, with a grandson now attending pre-school in Tamuning, she is even more passionate about helping improve the quality of life on Guam through lowered costs, fewer barriers, greater opportunity, and a thriving, safe community. 

focused on federal support

Here on Guam she has taken up teaching U.S. foreign policy at the University of Guam and has championed local policy initiatives, including efforts to gain federal support for putting Guam’s power lines underground, exploring ways to get sea drone manufacturing established on island and assisting as an industry leader to expand support for Guam’s workforce development with the Defense Industrial Base. She is also helping identify experts to re-examine Guam’s cumbersome procurement regulations, all undertaken as a private citizen and policy advocate. 

Wael Elzein: Ginger’s Husband

Born in Lebanon Wael came to the U.S. for college, graduating from Ohio University with both a bachelor’s and master’s Degree.


In 1993, Wael began with a distinguished 11-year service in the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. A combat veteran who served during the Bosnia War, Elzein was recognized for his bravery and dedication including multiple U.S. Army Commendation Medals, NATO medals and awards. His military service concluded with an honorable discharge, marking him as a Veteran of Foreign Wars. He is currently a member of the Guam VFW.

Following his military career, Elzein continued to serve his country as a federal employee and contractor in Iraq. From the early 2000s until 2012, he held federal security clearances in positions of trust with the Departments of State and Defense. His contributions in law enforcement and overseas operations were critical in supporting national security efforts.


https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/12/world/investigation-into-missing-iraqi-cash-ended-in-lebanon-bunker.html

Transitioning to the private sector, Elzein founded a company that ensures compliance for U.S. firms providing life support to the U.S. Embassy and Defense Department programs in the Middle East. His company's work in challenging environments was recognized with the prestigious ISOA Vanguard Award, which honors significant contributions to stability, peace, and development.


Throughout his career, Elzein has maintained high ethical standards. Both he and his wife, Ginger, have filed their financial statements with the Federal Election Commission and Guam Election Commission and continue as they have both done throughout their careers, to uphold the highest levels of personal and professional integrity.


Wael Elzein's professional journey highlights a consistent dedication to service, from his military career to his ongoing support of U.S. national security efforts in the private sector.

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