The Water and Power Authority has announced the appointment of former board member Anthony Thomas as its new chief administrative officer.

Speaking on the appointment, WAPA CEO Karl Knight stated, “Anthony Thomas brings a proven track record of operational excellence and transformative leadership to WAPA. His extensive experience in both government and private sectors, as well as his familiarity with the policies and processes of WAPA, will be invaluable.”

The appointment was ratified during a board meeting on Thursday, with four board members voting in favor, including Cheryl Boynes-Jackson, board chairman Hubert Turnbull, Juanita R. Young and Maurice Muia. Board member Kyle Fleming abstained.

Mr. Thomas is most notably known for his role at the Department of Property and Procurement as commissioner. He resigned the job on Feb. 14, 2023, contending there was a "fundamental difference" between himself and Governor Albert Bryan. For his part, Mr. Bryan told the Consortium that he and Mr. Thomas had diverging takes on the department, describing DPP as critical to the territory's recovery and development, while holding fast to the belief that processes must accelerate. "He believes Property and Procurement is a regulatory agency, I believe it’s a service agency to deliver goods and services to customers as well as employees," Mr. Bryan said. "P&P is a key factor in our recovery. We have to procure, contract and pay faster. The agency has to facilitate this happening, not regulate it into a standstill."

Mr. Thomas also served as chief of staff for the V.I. Department of Education. He was also the Vice President of Mon Ethos Pro Support, a company embroiled in scandal following the guilty plea of founder David Whitaker to charges of wire fraud and bribery. Mr. Thomas's former association with Mon Ethos was not mentioned in the WAPA press statement, although earlier roles were listed. 

According to WAPA, the new CAO “brings a wealth of leadership and management experience honed over decades in both government and private sectors,” said a press statement issued by WAPA following his appointment. Mr. Thomas's duties will encompass  oversight of WAPA's administrative operations, “including purchasing, inventory control, property management, and fleet management,” the press release indicated. 

Mr. Thomas replaced Don Gregoire, who has occupied the post of interim CAO since January 2022. Mr. Gregoire returns to his substantive role as director of Water for St. Croix.