MONROVIA – The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) is poised to announce Atty. Teklo Maxwell Grigsby II as the new Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Department, following a highly competitive and transparent selection process. Grigsby will replace Darlington Y. Talery, who held the position for nine years. The decision comes after months of vetting and examination, which attracted over 96 applicants from across Liberia and the diaspora.
The position, publicly advertised in April 2024, underwent a comprehensive recruitment process, culminating in the selection of Atty. Grigsby as the leading candidate. Sources close to the LRA indicated that Grigsby’s extensive background in tax administration and public finance made him a standout candidate. He has held previous roles within the LRA, including Manager for Medium & Small Tax, and served as Enforcement Director in the Ministry of Finance’s Small Tax Division before the establishment of the LRA. Additionally, his tenure as head of the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCA) showcased his leadership and strategic management capabilities.
The vetting process was rigorous and designed to ensure fairness and transparency. It was overseen by an independent committee comprising representatives from key national and international organizations, including the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), the Center for Transparency and Accountability (CENTAL), the Liberia Institute of Certified Public Accountants (LICPA), the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC), and the Association of Human Resource Professionals of Liberia (AHRPL). International representatives from the U.S. and Swedish Embassies also participated in the process.
The selection process unfolded in three stages. First, the committee reviewed the credentials of the 96 applicants, assessing their qualifications, leadership experience, and suitability for the role. Of these, 22 candidates were invited to take a written examination in September 2024, with 17 sitting for the exam. Following the results, the five highest scorers advanced to the final interview stage.
The finalists included several high-ranking LRA officials and external candidates: Assistant Commissioner Sebastian A. Weah of the Medium Tax Division, LRA; Atty. Teklo Maxwell Grigsby II; Madam Margaret Krote, Assistant Commissioner of the Large Tax Division, LRA; James A. Jappa, Assistant Commissioner for Real Estate, LRA; and Albert Nyanguan Jr., former Officer-in-Charge of the Board of Tax Appeals.
During the final interview phase, the candidates were required to give a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation, followed by a 45-minute question-and-answer session on critical issues facing Liberia’s domestic tax system. Atty. Grigsby’s performance impressed the panel, particularly his vision for increasing domestic revenue through innovative tax policies and stronger compliance mechanisms.
“Atty. Grigsby demonstrated a deep understanding of tax administration and innovative strategies for domestic resource mobilization,” one panel member noted. His forward-thinking approach and commitment to sustainable revenue growth aligned with the LRA’s strategic goals, leading to his unanimous selection by the panel.
The official announcement of Atty. Grigsby’s appointment is expected within the coming weeks. As Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Department, he will be responsible for developing tax policies, providing strategic direction, and overseeing the department’s operations at a critical time when Liberia is focusing on enhancing domestic revenue collection to support national development.
The LRA, under the leadership of Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah, emphasized that the transparent and merit-based selection process reflects the institution’s commitment to good governance. Grigsby’s appointment is seen as a pivotal step toward modernizing Liberia’s tax administration and ensuring sustainable economic growth through improved tax compliance and revenue collection.
With Grigsby at the helm, the LRA is expected to implement forward-looking tax strategies that will support the country’s economic development goals, particularly in areas of infrastructure, health, and education. The new Commissioner’s expertise in tax administration, coupled with his strategic vision, is anticipated to bring renewed energy to Liberia’s tax collection efforts and contribute significantly to national development. Journalist Nyantee Genero Samuel Togba contributed to this story…
