Teri Helenese
Teri Helenese, a leading professional with an outstanding portfolio in various industries, has been recently recognized in Fortune Magazine and included in Marquis Who’s Who. This distinction underlines Helenese's significant contributions to the transportation, manufacturing, and public advocacy sectors, and her undeterred commitment to service.
A St. Croix native, Helenese's tenure at Deloitte played a crucial role in the successful implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), according to a release issued Tuesday. By traveling nationwide to understand the operational environments where the TWIC technology would be deployed, Helenese ensured the transformative project directly addressed the needs of the 2 million maritime workers involved. The initiative led to the introduction of biometric smart cards, strengthening national security measures at ports across the United States.
Post-Deloitte, Helenese served as the HR Director for Diageo’s Captain Morgan Rum Distillery on St. Croix. Her significant contributions included hiring and training Virgin Islanders, who made up an impressive 97% of the distillery’s workforce. This dedication to nurturing local talent significantly boosted the economic growth and opportunities within the Virgin Islands.
Currently, Helenese is the Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative, leading Governor Albert Bryan’s Washington DC team. She is actively involved with Delegate Stacey Plaskett and her team in securing at least $52 million in annual rum cover-over from Congress for the Virgin Islands, a benefit dedicated to the Government Employees Retirement System and the future workforce of the region.
Responding to the recognition from Fortune Magazine, Helenese said, “It’s wonderful to be featured in Fortune Magazine; however, the real flex is my service to others.” She reflected on the profound impact of the TWIC program, its effect on the 15 million Americans who received TWIC cards, and the success stories from the Captain Morgan Rum Distillery, saying, “All the ancillary goodness and goodwill that comes from their growth and development, that’s the real flex.”
In her leadership roles in shipbuilding and international health, Helenese has prioritized adding value and protecting the workforce from various threats. Her commitment to learning and development has influenced thousands of employees at top-ranked companies, nurturing a culture of growth and excellence.
Expressing her gratitude for the honor from Fortune Magazine and Marquis Who’s Who, Helenese credited the collective efforts of the U.S. Virgin Islands residents, her husband Alex, and her supportive family and friends. She remains steadfast in her service to the Virgin Islands community, continuously aiming to innovate, excel, and foster positive change.
