About – Senator Tina Rose Muña Barnes

Faith, family, culture, and a passion for helping people are the core values that guide the vision of one of Guam’s most dedicated public servants. With over 40 years of service spanning government, non-profits, and the private sector—including ten terms in the Guam Legislature—Senator Tina Rose Muña Barnes is the longest serving sitting senator and the longest serving woman senator. She has devoted her life to making Guam a better place for all its residents.

Her career in public service began at the Guam Public Defender Service Corporation, where she worked as a Legal Secretary and Investigator, defending the rights of indigent citizens. It was here that she first witnessed the struggles of Guam’s most vulnerable. From those early days, she knew her life’s mission would center on advocacy, inclusion, and opportunity.

Her leadership spans ten legislative terms. She currently serves as Senator of the 38th Guam Legislature, having held the roles of Vice Speaker for the 37th and 36th Guam Legislature (2021–2025). She also served as the Speaker of the 35th Guam Legislature (2019–2020). Over the years, she has held various leadership roles including Legislative Secretary, Majority Whip, and Chairwoman of several influential committees.

As the former Chairwoman of the Legislative Committee on Public Accountability, Human Resources, the Guam Buildup, Hagåtña Revitalization, Regional Affairs, Public Library, Telecommunications, and Technology, her efforts have championed good governance, digital transformation, and support for veterans and persons with disabilities. Her prior role as Deputy Director of the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (1997–2002) laid the groundwork for her advocacy on behalf of Guam’s disabled community.

In 2016, as Chairwoman of the Committee on Tourism, she helped the island achieve record-breaking visitor arrivals and spearheaded efforts for the success of the 2016 Festival of the Pacific Arts (FestPac). Recognizing the importance of tourism to all of Guam, she worked to secure direct funding to each of the island’s 19 villages.

Vice Speaker Muña Barnes has authored landmark legislation including the Medicinal Cannabis Act by legislative submission in 2014, the Patient Protection Act, and a procurement preference for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses. She has consistently worked across the aisle to combat human trafficking and expand economic opportunity.

Her service extends far beyond the legislative chamber. She has volunteered with or served on boards for numerous civic organizations including Guma’ Mami, Manenggon Memorial Foundation, Bill Muña Foundation, Guam Farmers’ Association, Soroptimist International of Guam, Sanctuary Inc., The Salvation Army, Inafa’Maolek, Coral Life Foundation, The Tourism Education Council, and others.

Born and raised in Mangilao, Vice Speaker Muña Barnes is a proud alumna of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam and attended Guam Community College for enrichment studies. She is the daughter of the Late Ana Anderson Atoigue Muña and the late William Pereira “Bill” Muña. In 1983, she married Jacob Cruz Barnes. Together they raised four children—Tiffany Rose, Jacob “Coby”, Jathan Ryan, and Minna—and now celebrate life with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her unwavering commitment to public service, social equity, and Guam’s cultural and economic vitality makes her a true daughter of the Marianas—steadfast in heart, visionary in leadership, and grounded in the people she serves.