V.I. Office of Veterans Affairs Director Patrick Farrell. Photo Credit: GOV'T HOUSE.
ST. THOMAS — V.I. Office of Veterans Affairs Director Patrick Farrell has been elected senior vice president of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, a leadership advancement that places the U.S. Virgin Islands in a stronger position within the national discussion on veterans policy, benefits, and services, according to the Bryan administration.
Government House announced that Farrell was elected on Sunday, March 1, during NASDVA’s Annual Mid-Winter Conference. According to the release, he was elected unopposed, a result the office said reflected the confidence and trust placed in his leadership by fellow state and territorial directors from across the country. The association works collectively to improve policies, benefits, and services for veterans and their families.
Farrell previously served as junior vice president and now moves into the role of senior vice president, a shift the release said gives the Virgin Islands a more influential place within the national veterans policy landscape.
“I do not view this as a personal achievement, but as meaningful progress for the Veterans of the Virgin Islands,” said Farrell. “Serving in this capacity creates greater access to the conversations and decision-makers who can accelerate positive change. It also expands my ability to advocate on behalf of Veterans nationwide as they deserve strong representation, and I am committed to that mission.”
Farrell also expressed support for Terry Prince, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, who was likewise elected unopposed to serve as president of NASDVA. “I look forward to working alongside President Prince and the executive committee as we continue strengthening collaboration among states and territories to improve outcomes for Veterans and their families,” Farrell said.
In addition to Farrell’s election, the Virgin Islands also secured a future role in the organization’s national schedule. According to the release, St. Thomas won the bid to host NASDVA’s Annual Fall Conference in August 2027, bringing state and territorial veterans affairs leaders from across the country to the territory.
ST. THOMAS — V.I. Office of Veterans Affairs Director Patrick Farrell has been elected senior vice president of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, a leadership advancement that places the U.S. Virgin Islands in a stronger position within the national discussion on veterans policy, benefits, and services, according to the Bryan administration.
Government House announced that Farrell was elected on Sunday, March 1, during NASDVA’s Annual Mid-Winter Conference. According to the release, he was elected unopposed, a result the office said reflected the confidence and trust placed in his leadership by fellow state and territorial directors from across the country. The association works collectively to improve policies, benefits, and services for veterans and their families.
Farrell previously served as junior vice president and now moves into the role of senior vice president, a shift the release said gives the Virgin Islands a more influential place within the national veterans policy landscape.
“I do not view this as a personal achievement, but as meaningful progress for the Veterans of the Virgin Islands,” said Farrell. “Serving in this capacity creates greater access to the conversations and decision-makers who can accelerate positive change. It also expands my ability to advocate on behalf of Veterans nationwide as they deserve strong representation, and I am committed to that mission.”
Farrell also expressed support for Terry Prince, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, who was likewise elected unopposed to serve as president of NASDVA. “I look forward to working alongside President Prince and the executive committee as we continue strengthening collaboration among states and territories to improve outcomes for Veterans and their families,” Farrell said.
In addition to Farrell’s election, the Virgin Islands also secured a future role in the organization’s national schedule. According to the release, St. Thomas won the bid to host NASDVA’s Annual Fall Conference in August 2027, bringing state and territorial veterans affairs leaders from across the country to the territory.
