Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced his nomination of Jennifer Matarangas-King to lead the V.I. Tourism Department during a Government House briefing Monday, calling her a “proud Crucian with more than 28 years of experience in communications, public affairs and executive leadership.”
Until February, Matarangas-King worked as the vice president of public relations and governmental affairs at the company formerly known as Viya.
“She’s a strategic thinker and a skilled communicator with a deep love for these islands and the people who call them home,” Bryan said. “Jennifer understands the power of tourism not just to drive our economy, but to tell our story and create opportunity for Virgin Islanders. I have every confidence that she will lead this Department of Tourism with distinction.”
At the podium, Matarangas-King committed to “working collaboratively with the departments, with the departments’ dedicated professionals, key stakeholders and our entire community to continue to celebrate the spirit and the rich culture of our remarkable islands, enrich our tourism experiences and foster sustainable development that uplifts both our residents and our visitors.”
Bryan had warm words for the department’s outgoing commissioner, Joseph Boschulte, whom he said will be “stepping down to take care of some other priorities.” Bryan told the Source Monday that Boschulte will continue at the department for 30-45 days as a “sort of like assistant commissioner.”
“So he’s going to be there to support her, to make sure that we get all the right introductions and none of the balls fall,” he said, adding that Matarangas-King will be “running the shop” starting next Monday.
Boschulte’s departure has been the subject of speculation for months, and it was widely reported in February that the West Indian Company board voted to appoint him as the public-private entity’s next president and chief executive. WICO leadership has not said publicly whether they have identified a replacement for Anthony Ottley, whose contract the board decided not to renew last year. During a press briefing in April, Bryan confirmed that Boschulte had been offered the job but did not comment on whether it was accepted.
