.jpg)
0
Longtime Public Works Commissioner Nelson Petty Jr. will leave the department which he has led beginning with the Mapp administration, to pursue a private sector opportunity in the territory where he will serve as division manager, said Government House Sunday.
Mr. Petty was named Public Works commissioner by Governor Kenneth Mapp on August 8, 2017, following the resignation of Gustav James from the position. His appointment came just ahead of the 2017 storms, which defined his tenure at the department.
“Commissioner Petty is leaving some large boots to fill, and while the territory, and the Bryan/Roach Administration will miss the excellent job he has done since taking the helm of the department in 2017. I wish him nothing but success in his new role,” Governor Albert Bryan said.
According to Government House, Mr. Petty said some of the more memorable projects he has undertaken while heading the Department of Public Works include the expansion of Veterans Drive on the St. Thomas Waterfront; ongoing repairs and construction on Melvin Evans Highway on St. Croix; the Main Street Enhancement Project in Downtown Charlotte Amalie; and the new VITRAN Transit Maintenance and Operations Bus Facility on St. Croix.
“Being the commissioner over the last three years has afforded me the opportunity to meet and make lasting connections with members of the Governor’s Cabinet, governing boards, members of the Chambers of Commerce, business leaders, contractors and others, for which I am truly thankful,” said Mr. Petty. “However, I am most appreciative of the bonds that were formed with the employees of the Department of Public Works. I wish them well and have every confidence that they will continue to serve the people of the Virgin Islands honorably and to the best of their ability. I’d also like to thank Governor Bryan and Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach for this opportunity to serve the Virgin Islands.”
Mr. Petty joined D.P.W. in 1996 where he held a number of positions, including overseeing the Federal Highway Division until accepting the nomination for commissioner, said Government House.
Assistant Public Works Commissioner Dennis Brow will be the acting commissioner, effective January 1, 2021, following Mr. Petty’s departure.
