Mr. Albert Bryan Jr.
Governor of the United States Virgin Islands
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. stands at the forefront of leadership, spearheading transformative changes in the U.S. Virgin Islands. With a dedication to progress and a keen understanding of the needs of his constituents, Governor Bryan has redefined governance, propelling the Territory towards a future of prosperity and opportunity.
Born and raised in St. Thomas in his formative years, when Governor Bryan was a teenager, he moved with his parents and four brothers to St. Croix. Governor Bryan’s commitment to public service was evident from an early age. After obtaining his education, including a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Wittenberg University, and an MBA from the University of the Virgin Islands, he embarked on a career dedicated to serving his community. His journey led him through various private and public sector roles, including serving as a commissioner of the Department of Labor, where he championed initiatives to empower workers and bolster the economy.
In 2019, Governor Bryan assumed office as the ninth-elected Governor of the Virgin Islands, armed with a bold vision for the territory’s future. One of his primary focuses has been leveraging technology to drive progress and enhance the lives of residents. Under his leadership, the Virgin Islands has embraced innovation, implementing digital solutions to streamline government services, improve infrastructure, and foster economic growth.
Governor Bryan’s tenure has been marked by significant achievements, notably his pivotal role in rescuing the Government Employees’ Retirement System (GERS) from the brink of collapse. Recognizing the critical importance of safeguarding the pension system for current and future retirees, he implemented reforms to stabilize the most underfunded pension in the United States and ensure its long-term sustainability. His decisive actions not only protected the financial security of thousands of retirees but also strengthened confidence in the Virgin Islands’ fiscal management.
One of Governor Bryan's most remarkable endeavors has been his leadership in spearheading a $15 billion recovery effort to rebuild and fortify the USVI's infrastructure in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Through strategic planning and collaborative partnerships, he is revitalizing critical infrastructure, ensuring the territory's resilience and readiness for the future.
Beyond his official duties, Governor Bryan's personal commitment to community service shines through his involvement with organizations such as Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. As a member of the JAG Board of Directors, Governor Bryan is passionate about empowering young people to achieve their full potential and succeed in the workforce. Similarly, his affiliation with Kappa Alpha Psi reflects his dedication to fostering brotherhood and service, embodying the fraternity's principles of achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
Governor Bryan has been a trailblazer in the realm of education. Committed to expanding access to higher learning, he made history by institutionalizing free tuition at the University of the Virgin Islands. This landmark initiative has opened doors of opportunity for countless students, empowering them to pursue their academic aspirations without the burden of financial constraints. By investing in education, Governor Bryan is laying the foundation for a skilled workforce and a brighter future for Virgin Islanders.
The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic tested Governor Bryan’s leadership, yet he rose to the occasion with resilience and resolve. Demonstrating proactive measures and effective management, he guided the Virgin Islands through the crisis, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents while recording record high tourism numbers and charting a path towards economic recovery. Under his stewardship, the Virgin Islands emerged as a beacon of success, reopening safely and ahead of the entire Caribbean region. The territory’s record economic and tourism comeback is proof to Governor Bryan’s astute leadership and unwavering commitment to his people.
Today, the Virgin Islands stands as a testament to Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s visionary leadership and tireless dedication to progress. The recent announcement of the partnership to rebuild two new airports and the $15 billion infrastructure recovery plan are sure to bring decades of success with technology as a catalyst for innovation, fiscal responsibility guiding financial stability, and education serving as a gateway to opportunity, Governor Bryan is charting a course towards a brighter tomorrow for the territory and its residents. As the Virgin Islands continues to thrive under his leadership, Governor Bryan remains steadfast in his mission to build a prosperous and inclusive future for all.