A large round of applause could be heard from a crowd of family, friends, and colleagues gathered in the legislative hall on Thursday as they showed their support for the governor’s nomination of Lisa M. Alejandro for commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Property and Procurement.
“Growing up in a diverse, heritage-rich, and colorful family that saw beyond the boundaries of its own uniqueness taught me to take responsibility, to be accountable, charitable, considerate, and empathetic towards others,” said Alejandro during the Committee on Rules and Judiciary hearing.
Born and raised on St. Thomas as the eldest of 10 children, Alejandro said, “My mother took the role of parenting quite seriously and instilled in me strong family values and ethics. I witnessed the high regards and stewardship, and taught us that one’s reputation is best defined by their actions.”
Sen. Carla Joseph asked where Alejandro’s allegiance is placed as a public servant and what her perspective is. “Do you see that the governor is your boss and that you only answer to him?”
“I am a pastor and I would say that it’s not just to the governor. We answer to the people,” Alejandro said.
Alejandro laid out the foundation that led her to gain the nomination from the governor. Her journey began with becoming a licensed minister in 1990 and acquiring a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in operations management.
Her professional journey began as an assistant buyer for luxury retailers for 12 years, where she gained exposure and experience in brand purchases, sales, supply chain logistics, integrative negotiations, and inventory and property management, she said.
In 2001, she was hired as a special assistant to the deputy commissioner of Procurement at the DPP and was later promoted to contract administrator and chaired the Evaluation Committee for eight years. In May 2011, she was hired by the V.I. Department of Education to establish and manage the Contract Administration Program. Alejandro later moved on to the Port Authority, which “added another level of property and procurement proficiencies enabling me to experience the operations of the industry from all facets,” she said.
Over the course of those years, she created milestones of achievements, including the launch of the new division of procurement and its contract administration program, the establishment of new property leasing and rental forms and procedures, and capacity building of the procurement hires for DOE. She also undertook the design, build, and operation of wastewater management facilities, the Virgin Islands Police Department’s third-party fiduciary under its consent decree, and the inter-agency agreement for the development of the State Longitudinal Data System known as the Virgin Islands Virtual Information System.
Alejandro rejoined DPP in 2019, and as acting commissioner has created both long- and short-term goals, including completing the e-procurement integration, which will allow all agencies to carry out their procurements and payments to vendors through an accounts payable module within one system. Skill management succession planning, assessments of existing property and procurement laws, and completing the government’s fixed assets, transportation process and procedural manuals are all on the list.
“I am impressed with the technological advancements of the department during the past few years and I’m looking forward to seeing what else comes out the box as well,” said Sen. Angel Bolques.
Another of Alejandro’s goals is to use tracking data to maintain and extend the life of the GVI’s fleet, which Sen. Franklin Johnson was “happy to hear” since he has had first-hand experience witnessing the misuse of government fleets.
“You offer a wealth of expertise and I was really moved. You have been in this department and you understand what your responsibilities are, and I am elated to see your wealth of information,” said Chairwoman Diane T. Capehart.
All members present during the hearing voted in favor of Alejandro to move forward for further and final consideration from the Senate body.
The committee also voted in favor of numerous bills:
- Bill No. 35-0036 – An Act amending Title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 16, section 274, subsection (f), paragraph (11) to clarify the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director of the Taxicab Commission.
- Bill No. 35-0075 – An Act to designate the third Monday in February as Virgin Islands Governors Day.
- Bill No. 35-0078 – An Act requiring the commissioner of the Department of Tourism to conduct a survey to assist in the establishment of an official dish and dessert of the Virgin Islands.
- Bill No. 35-0029 – An Act honoring and commending Donna Marie Christian Christiansen, M.D., for her tireless contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands in the medical field and representation in the United States Congress.
- Bill No. 35-0033 – An Act honoring and commending Benburin “Benny” Stephens posthumously for his heroism in saving the lives of a mother and her children and to rename the Bovoni Road (Route No. 30), specifically from the entrance of the Abattoir to the entrance of the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, “The Benburin ‘Benny’ Stephens Drive.”
- Bill No. 35-0035 – An Act amending Title 20 Virgin Islands Code, part II, chapter 39 section 436 (b), expanding the definition of “disabled veteran” for the purposes of eligibility for a handicapped window decal.
- Bill No. 35-0041 – An Act awarding the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor posthumously to former Sen. Edgar Milton Iles for his commendable public service and contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands.
- Bill No. 35-0100 – A Resolution honoring and commending Music in Motion School of Higher Dance Education and its founder, Charlita Schuster, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Music in Motion Dance Academy.
- Bill No. 35-0101 – A Resolution honoring and commending Dr. Olaf “Bronco” Hendricks for his tireless years of remarkable and invaluable contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands in the field of psychiatry, his advocacy for social justice for individuals with behavioral health and substance use issues, and for his music.
Sens. Diane T. Capehart, Franklin D. Johnson, Carla J. Joseph, Angel Bolques Jr, Ray Fonseca, Milton E. Potter, and Kenneth L. Gittens attended Thursday’s hearing.
