Alicia Barnes has been nominated to fill the top slot at Planning and Natural Resources, while Fire Service head Victor Browne will move over to take the reins of the Law Enforcement Planning Commission, the governor announced Monday.
Barnes — who moves over from her position as assistant chief executive officer of the Economic Development Authority — will replace recently retired DPNR Commissioner Robert Mathes. Barnes was DPNR’s assistant commissioner from February 2007 to July 2009 and during that time also served as its chief operating officer.
In his statement Monday, Gov. John deJongh Jr. said her experience in overseeing the department’s operations, including its federal programs, makes him confident in her ability to take the helm.
Barnes still has to be confirmed by the Legislature, but moves into the new post as acting commissioner effective Tuesday. She holds a master’s in public administration from the University of the Virgin Islands and a bachelor’s in Marine Science and Environmental Studies from Hampton University.
She has also held leadership positions at the V.I. Water and Power Authority and V.I. Energy Office, and operated her own Caribbean-based environmental consulting firm, Barnes & Associates, for four years in the late 1990s, according to Monday’s release.
Brought on four years ago to turn around the V.I. Fire Service with his financial expertise, Browne will now be putting his skills to good use at LEPC, which administers federal grants funds to various local departments and agencies.
A certified public accountant, Browne has a bachelor’s in accounting, along with an associate’s degree in management and accounting. Prior to taking over the Fire Service in 2007, Browne worked as the fiscal officer for the St. Croix Foundation of Community Development.
Browne’s appointment takes effect Tuesday. He will be replacing Meredith Nielsen, while St. Croix Fire Chief Steve Brow will step in as acting Fire Services director until a permanent director is named, the release said.