The Island Green Building Association is pleased has announced that co-founding IGBA member Dr. Barry Devine will assume the role of executive director for the non-profit in the wake of the departure of former Executive Director Karen Vahling, who has moved on to a position with the friends of the V.I. National Park.
Devine, a local resident research scientist and author who has been active in local community efforts over the past decade, inspired the creation of IGBA with a 2004 presentation to the St. John Rotary, where he spoke about his environmental work with the Coral Bay Watershed. Following the presentation, Devine and local architects Bill Willgerod and Doug White gathered to discuss how they could get the word out to local contractors, homeowners, heavy equipment operators and others involved in the design and build process that erosion was doing serious damage to the island’s greatest natural resource: its environment. This is how IGBA was born.
“Barry’s credentials as an environmental scientist are well-known throughout the Caribbean and beyond,” said Willigerod, who today serves as president of IGBA’s Board of Directors. “His devotion to the environment and St. John are known and respected by anyone who is familiar with his work. After our recent loss of Karen Vahling as IGBA’s executive director, Barry volunteered to assume this vacant position to ensure that IGBA can continue their contribution to St. John and our neighboring islands.”
Devine worked as chief scientist at UVI’s Eastern Caribbean Center for 10 years, acted as the EPA CARE grant research coordinator for the Coral Bay Community Council, is co-author of the popular local book “Island Peak to Coral Reef,” and previously developed low-impact residential areas and habitat-rich golf courses.
“My role will be to continue to expand the success of the ReSource Depot, take over planning and administration for the group, and address local education on green building through seminars, trainings and grants,” said Devine.