Governor Albert Bryan and Property and Procurement Commissioner Nominee Lisa Alejandra on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. By. GOV'T HOUSE
Lisa Alejandra was officially presented as the Bryan administration’s new pick for commissioner of the Department of Property & Procurement during Tuesday’s Government House press briefing. Alejandra has been acting commissioner since February, when then-Commissioner Anthony Thomas departed.
“Property and Procurement is probably one of the most important departments in our government,” Governor Bryan said. “It touches everything…from the smallest memorandum of understanding to the largest contract to the vehicles that you see at the garage facilities, printing, you name it.” The governor also noted that the government was the territory’s largest lease holder as well, with those transactions having to pass through the department Ms. Alejandra has been tapped to lead.
Having risen through the ranks at the department, Alejandra is the right person for the job, the governor argued.
For her part, Alejandra committed herself to the work of the government of the Virgin Islands for the benefit of the territory’s people if she is confirmed as commissioner. “Over the course of my career, I have been fortunate to work in every aspect of property management and procurement. As a result I have played an integral role in developing policies, proposing and writing legislation as well as billing systems, towards building the greater efficiency of our government. It is an honor today that I would have this opportunity to serve,” she said Tuesday.
The nominee thanked her family and “Team Excellence”, as she referred to the employees of the Property & Procurement Department, for their support in her personal and professional lives. She also thanked the governor and his lieutenant governor for reposing their trust in her to execute such a critical role.
Alejandra’s nomination will now be considered by the Legislature, which will then decide whether or not to confirm her in the position of Department of Property & Procurement commissioner.
The last P&P commissioner, Anthony Thomas, left the department earlier this year, citing a "fundamental difference" between himself and the governor.
