Angel Dawson, Jr. during a 2014 Democratic Primary Gubernatorial Election debate hosted by WTJX and moderated by Ernice Gilbert. Photo Credit: REEMY-REEMZ PHOTOGRAPHY/VICONSORTIUM
In an official announcement made by the Government Employees' Retirement System to employees, Angel Dawson has been named as the new administrator/CEO of GERS. The Consortium was provided with the official announcement by persons who received it.
This decision comes after a prolonged search process to find a suitable successor to the former administrator, Austin Nibbs, who had intended to resign for years but stayed on due to the challenges in finding a replacement.
Dawson, a seasoned banker and former gubernatorial candidate, brings with him an impressive career in both public finance and commercial banking, said GERS Board Chairman Dwane Callwood. He initiated his banking journey at Chase Manhattan Bank, shortly after obtaining his business administration / finance degree from what was then known as the College of the Virgin Islands, completing his western hemisphere professional development program in commercial and investment banking.
Currently, Dawson holds the position of senior vice president at FirstBank Puerto Rico, managing commercial lending activities in its Eastern Caribbean Region and the bank's exclusive international operation in the British Virgin Islands. His banking journey includes twelve years at Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, where he served as the vice president of commercial lending until 2009.
Dawson further contributed to public finance as the Commissioner of Finance during the John P. de Jongh administration from 2009 to 2014. His role also saw him serving as the executive director of the V.I. Public Finance Authority and as a member of the GERS Pension Reform Taskforce Advisory Committee.
Commenting on the selection, Callwood stated, "The process may not have been as expeditious as many may have desired, but we are confident that in the end, we made the right choice. Dawson's expertise in public finance and commercial banking will undoubtedly be beneficial as we continue to fortify the Government Employees' Retirement System."
Dawson will officially assume his new role at GERS on July 10. In the meantime, the outgoing Administrator, Nibbs, will take on the role of Special Advisor to the Board, facilitating a smooth transition to Dawson until his retirement on September 30, 2023.
Callwood expressed his gratitude towards Nibbs for his years of service and dedication to GERS, and his commitment to stay at the helm throughout the succession process. He concluded by welcoming Dawson to the GERS family, encouraging the team to extend their full support, cooperation, and best efforts as they work towards moving GERS forward.
