The V.I. Port Authority Board of Governors has selected Ava Penn as the agency’s next executive director following what the board described as a competitive recruitment and selection process.
Ms. Penn was chosen after the authority advertised the position and reviewed applications from prospective candidates. VIPA said its Personnel Committee evaluated the applicant pool based on experience, leadership abilities and professional accomplishments before identifying qualified candidates for consideration by the full board.
Following interviews and deliberations, the Board of Governors selected Ms. Penn by majority vote to lead the authority.
As executive director, Ms. Penn will be responsible for providing executive leadership and strategic direction for VIPA’s operations, capital programs and long-term initiatives. The authority oversees air and seaport facilities throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands and plays a central role in the territory’s transportation infrastructure and economic activity.
The board said it expects Ms. Penn’s leadership to support VIPA’s mission of maintaining safe, efficient and reliable airport and seaport operations while advancing longer-term development initiatives.
VIPA also thanked the other applicants who participated in the recruitment process, noting the time and preparation involved, and commended members of its Personnel Committee for reviewing the candidates and presenting finalists for consideration.
The board said it looks forward to working with Ms. Penn as the authority continues efforts to improve services, strengthen operational performance and maintain accountability and transparency across its operations.
