The V.I. Port Authority’s board of directors tapped retiring Sen. Carlton "Ital" Dowe to be its next executive director. The choice was made during an executive session at its monthly meeting earlier this week and confirmed Friday morning in an announcement from VIPA.
The selection of Dowe, who did not seek re-election to the Legislature in the just-concluded 2012 General Election, follows his finishing among the top four finalists from the 37 applicants for the position, and his formal acceptance of the position, according to VIPA’s statement.
Dowe would replace Kenn Hobson who retired earlier this year. VIPA Legal Counsel Don Mills and Assistant Executive Director David Mapp have each served as interim executive director since Hobson left.
“I just confirmed to Sen. Dowe his selection by the board and given his acceptance, we have commenced final negotiations on a start date, salary and other contract terms. We are hopeful that that those discussions will be concluded and brought to a vote by the governing board at next month’s meeting, which would facilitate his coming on board as early as January 2013,” said VIPA Board Chairman Robert O’Connor Jr. in VIPA’s official statement. “We have a number of critical issues that require the focus and attention of a permanent executive director both internal to the organization but also to address the competitive positioning of the Port Authority and therefore, the Virgin Islands.".
In explaining the board decision, O’Connor said during the search process, Dowe demonstrated strong administrative and policy level experience as well as a vast knowledge of port operations, both on the marine and aviation sides and a vast knowledge of the current issues facing the agency.
“He clearly possesses the qualities we are seeking in a director who can move the VIPA forward in terms of its development,” he added.
Dowe was chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Finance for the last five years, chairman of the Senate Rules Committee for two terms, is a former deputy U.S. marshal and served as director of the V.I. Fire Services, having served as fire chief in the St. Thomas–St. John district. Additionally, O’Connor said, the board views Dowe as bringing a wealth of experience from his position as a senator to continue without delay the work that lies ahead for the V.I. Port Authority.
The board of directors is comprised of nine members: O’Connor, Gordon Finch, Allison Petrus, Yvonne Thraen, Manuel Guiterrez and several members of the governor’s cabinet who serve by virtue of their position. They are: Public Works Commissioner Darryl Smalls, Labor Commissioner Albert Bryan Jr., Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty and Attorney General Vincent Frazer.
