Sept. 25, 2007 — Gov. John deJongh Jr. has appointed Bill DeLone to serve on the board of directors for the University of the Virgin Islands' Research and Technology Park, and recently tapped Percival "Percy" Cloudon to head the Economic Development Authority.
DeLone brings an extensive and global background to the board, according to a news release from Government House issued Tuesday. With 37 years of key expertise in information technology systems, as well as in senior administrative and management academic positions at UVI and at American University, DeLone possesses the requisite knowledge and necessary leadership to help guide and direct this V.I. facility, the release said.
DeLone is familiar with the project, having worked on its initial plans with former UVI President Orville Kean. He has since published extensively on Internet technology and communications-systems management, and has detailed strategies for progress and success in the field at an international level.
"His work in developing and expanding information technology for small and medium-sized businesses echoes this administration's focus on economic development, and his academic and practical experience in communications technology is exceptional," deJongh said.
DeLone currently serves as director for the Center for Information Technology and the Global Economy at the Kogod School of Business at American University in Washington, D.C.
In this capacity, he has recruited Marriott, General Motors, the World Bank, Freddie Mac, SAP, the American Red Cross and Constellation Energy to financially sponsor the center's applied research. Previously, as acting dean of the business school, DeLone was responsible for leading faculty and staff, as well as undergraduate and graduate business students, with a budget of $24 million. In addition, DeLone successfully co-wrote a proposal to the federal government to create and fund the V.I. Small Business Development Center and is an internationally recognized presenter on IT-related topics.
The man tapped to lead the V.I. economic-development agency has a different kind of business experience. Percival “Percy” Clouden has been employed at Banco Popular de Puerto Rico since 1993, and has held several positions there, including assistant vice president and branch manager; vice president and manager of credit administration; and vice president and manager of branch operations. He currently serves as a vice president of the bank, overseeing business development.
A native of St. Thomas, Cloudon holds both a master's and bachelor of arts degree in business administration from UVI and an associate of arts degree in accounting. A former chairman of the board of the V.I. Government Development Bank, Clouden has also served as an advisory board member to the Small Business Development Center.
“His experience with small business and their needs is sure to be an asset to the EDA, considering the strategic plan for the Government Development Bank,” said Labor Commissioner Albert Bryan Jr., who serves as chairman of the authority.
Both the EDA staff and Clouden understand that 80 percent of all job growth is created by existing businesses, and the majority of those are small businesses, Bryan said in a news release from Government House last week.
“The board is looking forward to the implementation of an economic-development system which incorporates all of the tools of the authority and brings more opportunities, jobs and an improved standard of living for all Virgin Islanders, and we are counting on Mr. Clouden to lead that charge,” he said.
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