Oct. 23, 2007 — V.I. Water and Power Authority governing board members are close to selecting a new executive director, says board Chairwoman Cheryl Boynes-Jackson.
"We have narrowed the search to four off-island candidates and three local candidates," she said, according to a WAPA news release. "Each of the candidates brings very strong administrative skills to the table, as well as solid technical knowledge. The candidate ultimately selected will have the right mix of both."
The executive director’s position came open in May when Alberto Bruno-Vega left the authority after a second five-year assignment to return to his family in Puerto Rico. Nellon Bowry, WAPA’s chief financial officer, has served as WAPA’s interim executive director since June 1.
"The board’s search for a new director is being conducted with the assistance of Mycoff and Associates, one of the nation’s leading electric utility executive search firms," the release said.
A selection will be made within the next several weeks, according to board Vice Chairman Alphonso Franklin, who assisted in formulating the short list from the original candidate pool of 25 applicants. The off-island candidates will first visit the territory to tour the plants, meet employees and participate in the final round of interviews with the full governing board. Local candidates are scheduled for their final interviews during the same time period.
"In addition to strong leadership skills and technical knowledge, the successful candidate must be experienced in operating a municipal utility that produces water and power, implementing strategic planning, understanding labor issues and be accessible to employees," the release said. "And, as importantly, has the expertise to lead the authority to a new era of utilizing alternative and renewable energy sources for power generation."
The board anticipates having the new executive director in place for its annual retreat in early December.
"Immediately, the new executive director’s challenge will be the lowering of the cost of power and water to more affordable rates for our customers," Franklin said.
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