Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has nominated Jennifer Matarangas-King, a communications and public affairs executive, to serve as the next Commissioner of Tourism. The nomination was announced during a press briefing by Government House and is pending confirmation.
Matarangas-King, a native of St. Croix, has over 30 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, and organizational leadership in both the public and private sectors. Her public service history includes roles as press secretary to former Governor Roy Schneider and as public relations director for former Senator Vargrave Richards.
For more than two decades, she held a leadership position at Viya and its predecessor companies. Viya, which is a subsidiary of ATN International (NASDAQ: ATNI), provides telecommunications and entertainment services in the US Virgin Islands. Her work in this sector involved public relations, corporate communications, customer experience, and strategic planning. She has also served as a board member on the St. Croix Hotel Association.
The nomination follows the tenure of former Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, during which the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism reported increases in Average Daily Rate (ADR) within the Caribbean, as well as record air and cruise arrivals. Boschulte will remain with the Department in an interim capacity to assist with the transition.
In a statement, Governor Bryan Jr. said, “Tourism is how we tell our story to the world and create opportunity for the people of the Virgin Islands. Jennifer understands that. She is a strategic thinker, a skilled communicator, and a proud Virgin Islander with a deep commitment to service. I am confident that she will lead the Department of Tourism with vision and distinction.” Matarangas-King stated she was “honored and humbled to be considered for this role.” She added, “Tourism is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape the future of these Virgin Islands. It drives investment, fuels entrepreneurship, and celebrates our identity. I look forward to working alongside our tourism stakeholders and the incredible team at the Department to elevate our product, empower our people, and expand our reach as a premier Caribbean destination.”
US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism Commissioner of Tourism Jennifer Matarangas-King. Photo credit: US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
