Kyle Fleming is departing as director of the Virgin Islands Energy Office as Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s administration enters its final months. Mr. Bryan has appointed Deputy Director Michael Jaffurs to lead the agency in an acting capacity, with immediate responsibility for its programs and ongoing initiatives, Government House announced Friday.
Leadership turnover is a normal part of transitions between administrations, as incoming governors assemble teams to carry out their priorities. With a new administration taking office in January 2027, additional leadership changes would be consistent with that process, rather than necessarily signaling a dispute or performance issue. Executive department heads are appointed subject to the Legislature’s advice and consent.
Mr. Bryan is completing his second consecutive term and is barred from serving a third consecutive term.” Government House’s Oct. 23 announcement did not explain Fleming’s departure or identify other officials who would be leaving.
“I thank Mr. Fleming for his service to the Government of the Virgin Islands and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Mr. Bryan said. The governor cited Jaffurs’ knowledge of the agency and its programs in announcing his appointment.
“Energy affordability and reliability remain among the biggest challenges facing Virgin Islands families, and the Energy Office has an important role to play in addressing them,” Mr. Bryan said. “Michael understands the agency, the programs it administers and the people those programs are intended to serve. He has been directly involved in the work, and I am confident in his ability to provide steady leadership, maintain momentum and keep the focus on delivering meaningful results for the people of the Virgin Islands.”
The Energy Office coordinates local and federally supported initiatives involving renewable energy, conservation, transportation electrification and energy resilience. According to Government House, Jaffurs’ experience includes work on the Virgin Islands Energy Storage Rebate Program, which helps residents and businesses offset the cost of installing battery backup systems.
He has also been involved in the Virgin Islands Resiliency Gateway Program, which provides portable battery backup systems to medically vulnerable residents who rely on electricity for essential health and safety needs. Jaffurs served as principal investigator for the Energy Office’s federally funded 2024 Priority Climate Action Plan, focused on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and supporting long-term energy planning.
