Jan. 30, 2007 — Gov. John deJongh Jr. on Tuesday announced the appointments of Barbara Petersen, former Sen. Pedro Encarnacion and Leona Smith to serve as the territory's three island administrators, according to a Government House release.
Petersen, named as St. Thomas-Water Island administrator, comes from a marketing and public relations background with emphasis on operational management. “A detail-oriented problem solver, Petersen will bring the ability to tackle some of the frustrating problems of residents of the St. Thomas and Water Island communities,” deJongh said Tuesday.
Most recently, Petersen was a marketing specialist manager at Cardow Jewelers and previously served as that company’s manager for customer service and direct sales.
Petersen was also co-host of the popular A.M.V.I. program on WVWI Radio One.
She also held positions with Turbine Generator Maintenance Inc. as its regional sales coordinator and in marketing positions with two travel-related companies.
For about 10 years, beginning in 1986, Petersen was the regional director in the Midwest for the V.I. Tourism Department.
Named as St. John administrator is Leona Smith. She comes to the position having served for several years as coordinator of St. John operations for the Licensing and Consumer Affairs Department. She also held a position with the Customs and Border Protection agency. Additionally, she served for a few years as a researcher at the V.I. Legislature.
She holds a bachelor's degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and an associate's degree from Elizabeth Seton College.
Smith said Tuesday that St. John is unique and stands out as the "Gem of the Caribbean." “With my organizational skills and the proficient manner in which I have executed projects … I expect to make an outstanding contribution to this administration as the go-to person on St. John.”
Named to the post of St. Croix administrator is former St. Croix Sen. Pedro “Pete” Encarnacion. Encarnacion most recently served as Chairman of the Committee on Public Safety, Homeland Security and Justice in the 26th Legislature and previously served more than 20 years in the V.I. Fire Service. Encarnacion is a graduate
of St. Croix Central High School.
DeJongh noted Tuesday the "three administrators will be the eyes and ears of the administration."
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