East Texas A&M Alum Lands Position Working For U.S. Congress

East Texas A&M University alum Emau Stephen Petaia has been appointed to the position of digital engagement manager for United States Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen.

Congresswoman Amata has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2015, representing American Somoa, a small South Pacific island about 2,500 miles south of Hawaii. According to a 2020 census, American Somoa has a total population of just under 50,000 citizens.

Petaia graduated from East Texas A&M in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He has spent over 15 years in digital strategy, web development and marketing and communications. Prior to his appointment under Congresswoman Amata, he served as Vice President of Digital Marketing at Comerica Bank, where he led large-scale digital initiatives and user experience improvements.

In his new role, Petaia leads digital communications for Congresswoman Amata's office, overseeing strategy across social media, webpages and constituent engagement platforms to better connect with the people of American Samoa and Samoans abroad.

Petaia's appointment reflects the caliber of professionals emerging from East Texas A&M University. The university takes pride in preparing graduates to lead with integrity, innovation and impact. As Petaia steps into this role, his success stands as a testament to the strength of an East Texas A&M education.