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FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 2 36th LEGISLATURE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCE FY 2026 BUDGET HEARING TESTIMONY PRESENTED BY CINDY L. RICHARDSON, DIRECTOR DIVISION OF PERSONNEL EARL B. OTTLEY LEGISLATIVE CHAMBERS JUNE 26, 2025 FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 3 Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 4 FY 2026 Budget Overview .......................................................................................................................... 5 Division of Personnel ................................................................................................................................ 10 Human Resources Information Technology ............................................................................................... 11 GVI Employee Demographics ............................................................................................................... 11 Goup Health Insurance and Wellness ....................................................................................................... 15 Group Health Insurance Cost Increase ................................................................................................. 15 Recruitment and Classification ................................................................................................................. 18 Strategy And Organizational Development .............................................................................................. 20 Donated Leave ...................................................................................................................................... 21 Career Incentive Pay Program .............................................................................................................. 22 GVI Fellows Program ........................................................................................................................... 23 Virgin Islands Certified Public Manager® Program.............................................................................. 23 Upcoming Projects .................................................................................................................................... 24 Territorial Recruitment Advertisement Campaign ................................................................................ 25 Learning Management System ............................................................................................................. 25 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................ 25 Appendix ................................................................................................................................................... 26 Rental Facilities .................................................................................................................................... 27 Vehicles Cost and Maintenance Summary ............................................................................................ 27 Personnel Listing .................................................................................................................................. 27 Vacant Positions .................................................................................................................................... 28 FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 4 Introduction A pleasant good afternoon to the Honorable Novelle Francis, Jr., Chairperson of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance; the Honorable Marvin Blyden, Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance; other Committee Members; Senators in attendance; and the listening and viewing audience. My name is Cindy L. Richardson, and I am the Director of the Division of Personnel. Accompanying me today are members of our management team: Florine Audain-Hassell, Assistant Director; Valcina Quashie, Deputy Director; Cordell Rhymer Jr., Chief of Human Resources Information Technology; Valerie Daley, Chief of Group Health Insurance and Wellness; Gabriel Knight, Chief Strategy and Organizational Development Officer; Millicent Aubain, Territorial Administrator of Recruitment and Classification; and Aliya Felix Blyden, Esq., Legal Counsel. Sitting in the chambers are our Public Information Officer, Jo Ann Carr, and Executive Assistant, Janice Dennis-Freeman. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony before this body today in support of our proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026. At the Division of Personnel, we are committed to building a modern workforce for the Government of the Virgin Islands. As the central government’s human resources agency, we support departments in improving organizational performance, fostering professional development, and retaining a well-qualified, diverse workforce equipped to meet the territory’s evolving needs. These tasks are carried out through the following units: 1. Human Resources Information Technology 2. Group Health Insurance and Wellness 3. Recruitment and Classification 4. Strategy and Organizational Development 5. Administrative and Fiscal Services These accomplishments would not be possible without the dedication and expertise of the Division of Personnel staff. I extend my heartfelt thanks to each member of our team for their continued commitment to excellence and their essential role in advancing our mission. FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 5 FY 2026 Budget Overview Chart 1. Division of Personnel’s FY 2026 Total Budget Summary Table 1. Division of Personnel’s FY 2026 Total Budget Summary TOTAL BUDGET SUMMARY EXPENSE ALLOTMENT PERCENTAGE General Fund (includes Miscellaneous Budget $ 56,543,299.00) $ 62,758,866.00 99.11% Indirect Cost Fund $ 561,000.00 0.89% Non-Appropriated Funds $ 45,000.00   TOTAL $ 63,364,866.00 FY 2026 Total Budget Summary I now present the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Overview, which outlines the strategic investments required to advance our objectives and fulfill our mandate. Looking ahead, the FY 2026 OMB recommended budget for the Division of Personnel totals $63,364,866.00. This budget recommendation allocates $62,758,866 from the General Fund and $561,000.00 from the Indirect Cost Fund. Additionally, we project revenues of approximately $45,000 for the Training Revolving Fund. As reflected in this summary, the Miscellaneous Budget allocation has been included; however, a detailed breakdown can be found on page 7, which I will address shortly. $62,758,866, 99% $561,000, 0.89% $45,000 FY 26 Total Budget Summary General Fund Indirect Cost Fund Non-Appropriated Funds FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 6 Chart 2. Division of Personnel’s FY 2026 Operating Budget Summary Table 2. Division of Personnel’s FY 2026 Operating Budget Summary FY 2026 OPERATING BUDGET SUMMARY EXPENSES ALLOTMENT PERCENTAGE Personnel Services $ 4,109,544.00 58.23% Fringe Benefits $ 1,831,274.00 25.95% Supplies $ 73,000.00 1.03% Other Services and Charges $ 1,043,484.82 14.79% TOTAL $ 7,057,302.82 FY 2026 Operating Budget Summary Our FY 2026 Operating Budget Summary includes the following allocations $4,109,544.00 for Personnel Services, $1,831,274.00 for Fringe Benefits, $73,000 for Supplies, and $1,043,484.82 for Other Services and Charges. 58.23% 25.95% 1.03% 14.79% FY 2026 Operating Budget Summary Personnel Services Fringe Benefits Supplies Other Services FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 7 Chart 3. Division of Personnel’s FY 2026 FY 2026 Miscellaneous Budget Summary Table 3. Division of Personnel’s FY 2026 Operating Budget Summary FY 2026 MISCELLANEOUS BUDGET SUMMARY EXPENSES ALLOTMENT PERCENTAGE Health Insurance for Retirees $ 38, 210,672.00 67.58% Insurance Employer/Employee Share $ 16,655,891.00 29.46% GVI Fellows Program $ 931,736.00 1.65% Health Insurance Consultants $ 315,000.00 0.56% Contribution Health Insurance Board $ 275,000.00 0.49% GVI Employees Recognition $ 80,000.00 0.14% Certified Public Manager Program $ 75,000.00 0.13% TOTAL $ 56,543,299.00 FY 2026 Miscellaneous Budget Summary In our FY 2026 Miscellaneous Budget Summary the following allocations were recommended, $38,210,672.00 for Health Insurance for Retirees, $16,655,891.00 Insurance Employer/Employee share, $931,736.00 for the GVI Fellows Program, $315,000 for Health Insurance Consultants, $275,000.00 for our Contribution to the Health Insurance Board, $80,000.00 for GVI Employees Recognition and $75,000.00 for the Certified Public Manager Program. 67.58% 29.46% 0.13% 0.14% 0.49% 0.56% 1.65% FY 26 Miscellaneous Budget Summary Health Insurance - Retirees Insurance Coverage Certified Public Manager Program GVI Employees of the Year Recognition Activities Contribution Health Insurance Board Health Insurance - Consultant FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 8 Table 4. Division of Personnel’s FY 2026 Other Services and Charges OTHER SERVICES AND CHARGES EXPENSES ALLOTMENT Repair/Maintenance $ 30,000.00 Auto Repair/Maintenance $ 500.00 Rental of Machines/Equipment $ 2,500.00 Professional Services $ 835,020.82 Training $ 22,500.00 Communication $ 52,800.00 Advertising & Promotion $ 30,000.00 Transportation-Not-Travel $ 7,000.00 Travel $ 11,000.00 Purchase Bulk Airline Ticket $ 38,500.00 Other Services NOC $ 13,664.00 TOTAL $ 1,043,484.82 Other Services and Charges The additional amount of $1,043,484.82 in Other Services includes the following allocations $30,000.00 for Repair/Maintenance, $500.00 for Auto Repair/Maintenance, $2,500.00 for Rental of Machines/Equipment, $835,020.82 for Professional Services, $22,500.00 for Training, $52,800.00 for Communication, $30,000.00 for Advertising/Promotion, $7,000.00 for Transportation-non-Travel, $11,000.00 for Travel, $38,500.00 and for Purchase of Bulk Airline Tickets, $13,664.00. Table 5. Total FY 2026 OMB Recommended Budget TOTAL FY 2026 OMB RECOMMENDED BUDGET General Fund FY 2026 Recomm Indirect Cost Fund FY 2026 Recomm Training Revolving FY 2026 Recomm Combine Recomm. Budget FY 2026 TOTAL Personnel Services $4,109,544.00 Personnel Services Personnel Services Personnel Services $ 4,109,544.00 Fringe Benefits $1,831,274.00 Fringe Benefits Fringe Benefits Fringe Benefits $ 1,831,274.00 Supplies $93,000.00 Supplies $13,869.00 Supplies Supplies $ 106,869.00 Other Services & Charges $1,043,485.00 Other Services & Charges $327,231.00 Other Services & Charges $45,000.00 Other Services & Charges $ 1,415,716.00 Public Utilities $0.00 Public Utilities $219,900.00 Public Utilities Utilities $ 219,900.00 Capital Outlay/ Equipment $70,000.00 Capital Outlay/ Equipment Capital Outlay/ Equipment Capital Outlay/ Equipment $ 70,000.00 Miscellaneous $55,611,563.00 Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous $ 55,611,563.00 TOTAL GEN. FUND $62,758,866.00 TOTAL INDIR. FUND $561,000.00 TOTAL INDIR. FUND $45,000.00 GRAND TOTAL $63,364,866.00 FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 9 Table 6. FY 2026 Indirect Cost Fund Summary INDIRECT COST SUMMARY SUPPLIES RECOMMENDED BUDGET OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES RECOMMENDED BUDGET UTILITIES RECOMMENDED BUDGET Office Supplies $ 5,000.00 Rental of Land/Building $ 295,231.00 Electricity $ 218,400.00 Operating Supplies $ 2,869.00 Advertising and Promotion $ 20,000.00 Water $ 1,500.00 Small Tools and Minor Equipment $ 6,000.00 Transportation-Not Travel $ 2,000.00 Travel $ 10,000.00 TOTAL $ 13,869.00 TOTAL $ 327,231.00 TOTAL $ 219,000.00 GRAND TOTAL $ 561,000.00 The breakdown of the Indirect Cost Fund includes $13,869 for Supplies, $327,231 for Other Services and Charges, $219,900 for Utilities, and $295,231 for Rental of Land/Building. Table 7. FY 2026 Personnel Listing FY 2026 PERSONNEL LISTING OMB RECOMMENDED POSITIONS CURRENT FILLED POSITIONS (FY 2025) VACANT POSITIONS District Employees District Employees District Employees STX 19 STX 14 STX 4 STT/STJ 47 STT/STJ 42 STT/STJ 5 Vacant (STX) 1 TOTAL 66 TOTAL 57 TOTAL 9 Personnel Listing The recommended Personnel Services positions for the Division of Personnel total sixty-six (66). This includes fifty-seven (57) positions that are currently filled and nine (9) vacant positions. Of the sixty-six OMB recommended positions, forty-seven (47) are in the St. Thomas/St. John District, and nineteen (19) are in the St. Croix District. Among these positions, seven (7) are union-represented, twenty-eight (28) are classified as non-union, and thirty-one (31) are exempt. Of the thirty-one exempt positions twelve (12) are designated for the GVI Fellows Program. FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 11 Human Resources Information Technology The Human Resources Information Technology (HRIT) Unit provides critical support services to various agencies within the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI). Our team delivers comprehensive technical and clerical assistance, including specialized training on the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to enhance the effectiveness of HR professionals. Additionally, the unit manages Notices of Personnel Action (NOPAs), ensuring accurate and timely documentation of personnel changes. GVI Employee Demographics The following tables and charts offer a comprehensive overview of the workforce composition, supporting informed decision- making and strategic planning the GVI. Disclaimer: The data presented was extracted on May 19, 2025, and may have changed by the time of this testimony. Table 8. GVI Employee Statistical Data – Personnel Actions GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS PERSONNEL ACTIONS DESCRIPTION EMPLOYEES Branch Transfer 10 Cancellation 1 Career Incentive 1 Change of Class 3 Change of Title 4 Correction 41 Deceased 6 Dismissal 17 Leave With Pay 1 Leave Without Pay 39 Military Leave Without Pay 1 Miscellaneous 842 Name Change 1 New Hire 126 Position Change 1 Position Reallocation 5 Promotion 98 Rehire 94 Rehire Same Year 1 Resignation 109 Retirement 93 Return to Duty 54 Salary Change 695 Salary Correction 2 Suspension 35 Transfer Between Dept. 63 Transfer Within Dept. 19 TOTAL 2362 FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 12 Table/Chart 9. GVI Employee Statistical Data FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 13 Table 10. GVI Employee Statistical Data - Average Employee Salary by Gender Table 11. GVI Statistical Employee Data – Employee Count by Department FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 14 Table 12. GVI Statistical Employee Data – Average Salary Department FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 15 Goup Health Insurance and Wellness The Group Health Insurance (GHI) Unit administers and manages the Government of the Virgin Islands’ group health insurance program, ensuring that employees, retirees, and their eligible dependents have seamless access to their health benefits. In addition, the GHI Unit oversees the GVI Wellness Program, promoting health and well-being across the workforce. Table 13. Group Health Insurance Cost Summary Group Health Insurance Coverage Costs Description FY 2024 FY 2025 Cost Increase % Health Insurance Coverage (medical, dental, vision and life) $206.2M $226.1M +$19.9M +9.7% Monthly Premium Increase Cost Increase Active Employees – Single Coverage +$5.11 Active Employees – Family Medical & Dental +$9.31 Retirees < 65 – Single Coverage +$6.97 Retirees – Family Medical & Dental +$12.24 Employee & Employer Insurance Cost Share – FY 2025 Contributor Cost Share Rate Change Employee 27% +4% Employer 73% +4% Group Health Insurance Cost Increase The group health insurance plan which includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance has increased from $206.2 million in FY 2024 to $226.1 million in FY 2025, representing an increase of approximately $19.9 million, or 9.7%. FY 2025 Employer and Employee Cost Share Breakdown Currently, the cost-sharing structure is: • Employee share: 27% • Government share: 73% During this period: • The employer’s share increased by $17,786,893 • The employee’s share increased by $2,161,380 (Note: There was no rate increase in 2023.) FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 16 Impact on Premiums • Employees with single coverage: +$5.11 • Employees with family medical and dental coverage: +$9.31 • Retirees under age 65 with single coverage: +$6.97 • Retirees with family medical and dental coverage: +$12.24 Both the government and employees experienced a 4% rate increase in FY 2025. However, this still falls short of the 35% employee share stipulated in the current health insurance policy. Group Health Insurance Plan Members Count As of the current reporting period, there are 14,125 members in our health insurance plan, listed in the table below. Our next open enrollment is scheduled for August 11th to September 12th Table 14. Group Health Insurance Enrollment Insurance Carrier Payments Our insurance carrier payments from October 1st through May 31st of FY 2025 totaled $134,550,674.82, as shown in the table below. Table 15. FY 2025 Group Health Insurance Carrier Payments FY 2025 Group Health Insurance Carrier Payments* Carrier Total Paid Employer Share Employee Share Cigna $ 110,229,519.12 $ 80,467,548.96 $ 29,761,970.16 United Healthcare $ 15,578,621.45 $ 11,372,393.66 $ 4,206,227.79 Standard Life $ 8,039,558.72 $ 285,433.86 Standard Vision $ 498,733.56 Cigna Supplements $ 204,241.97 Total $ 134,550,674.82 $ 96,331,604.27 $ 33,968,197.95 Group Health Insurance Enrollment Participant Count Active Employees 7,010 Retirees 7,115 Total 14,125 Cigna Retirees 1,076 UnitedHealthcare Retiree 6,667 Total Insurance Coverage 25,000+ (including dependents) FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 17 The GESC Health Insurance Board is currently negotiating new contracts. Based on current claims experience, there is a possibility of a rate increase for Fiscal Year 2026, effective October 1, 2025. However, the Division of Personnel and the Board are actively exploring creative strategies to minimize any potential increase for employees. While the existing contract does not require a new bid until 2028, competitive bidding is mandated every five years. GVI Wellness Program We are pleased to announce the return of two of our most anticipated GVI Wellness events, designed to promote health, camaraderie, and fun across our government agencies. The first event is our Annual Health and Wellness Expo. This event will bring together healthcare providers, wellness vendors, and fitness experts to offer free health screenings, mental health strategies cooking demos, and more. On St. Thomas: Tuesday, July 16, 2025, and on St. Croix: Thursday, July 25, 2025. We encourage all GVI employees to register and fully participate in this engaging and empowering experience. The second event is The Battle of the Agencies: Beach Edition which takes place: On St. Thomas: Friday, August 23, 2025, and St. Croix: Friday, September 6, 2025. As many of you know, this is one of our most anticipated events of the year. Additional details regarding registration and event activities will be shared in the coming weeks. FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 18 Recruitment and Classification The Recruitment and Classification (R&C) Unit of the Division of Personnel plays a crucial role in supporting the central government’s efforts to recruit and retain top talent. By standardizing and streamlining the classification and recruitment processes, the R&C Unit aims to facilitate recruitment efforts, and provide advisory services to our HR professionals. FY 2025 GVI Hiring Trends In FY 2025, the highest number of candidate referrals to government departments occurred in the months of October and April. The table below shows the current hiring trends of the central government agencies. Table 16. Candidates Referred to Vacant Positions NEOGOV Referred Candidates FY 2024 NEOGOV Referred Candidates FY 2025 Month/Year # of Candidates Month/Year # of Candidates October/23 255 October/24 425 November/23 216 November/24 379 December/23 291 December/24 330 January/24 499 January/25 261 February/24 259 February/25 492 March/24 183 March/25 209 April/24 196 April/25 659 May/24 125 May/25 190 June/24 446 Sub Total 2945 July/24 407 August/24 341 September/24 453 Total 3671 Table 17 – Recruitment and Classification: Outreach Activities Table 18 –Job Descriptions Prepared for Government Agencies Job Descriptions FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 Exempt Positions 163 89 79 Classified Positions 16 24 10 Total 179 113 89 The tables above show our efforts to expand recruitment, build partnerships, and update job descriptions to meet the evolving needs of the Government of the Virgin Islands. Outreach Activities FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 St. Croix 10 14 8 St. Thomas/St. John 7 7 6 Total 17 21 14 FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 19 FY 2025 Examinations Summary Examinations play a critical role in the recruitment and advancement of qualified candidates across government agencies. Whether for entry-level roles or promotional opportunities, exams help maintain high professional standards and support the GVI workforce across the territory. Tables 18 and 19 below highlight the number of examinations administered this fiscal year by our R&C team for Fire Services and Corrections. Table 19 – Examinations Summary VI Fire and Medical Services Examinations District FY 25 # of Tests Given # Candidates Referred Sergeant St. Croix 8 6 St. Thomas/St. John 9 7 Corporal St. Croix 26 16 St. Thomas/St. John 36 16 Sub Total 79 45 (Ranking list) Entrance Fire Fighter/EMT St. Thomas/St. John 56 41 Total 135 86 Bureau of Corrections Examinations District FY 24 # of Tests Given # Candidates Referred FY 25 # of Tests Given # Candidates Referred Entrance Corrections Officer St. Croix 22 23* 3 4 St. Thomas/St. John 6 10* 6 7 Total 28 33* 9 11 *Includes candidates that met eligibility and were waived. Upcoming Exams for the rest of this Fiscal Year 2025 include: VITEMA Emergency Call Center Operator Exam • Examination Dates: June 23–27, 2025, Territory-wide Department of Human Services – Youth Rehabilitation Center (YRC) Correction Officer Exam • Examination Dates: July 22–25, 2025, St. Croix Bureau of Corrections – Entrance Correction Officer Exam (Territory-wide) • Examination Dates: August 19–22, 2025, Territory-wide FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 20 Strategy And Organizational Development The Strategy and Organizational Development (SOD) Unit fosters organizational change through virtual and in-person training offerings that enhance the knowledge and skills of the GVI workforce, while also delivering innovative leadership, professional development, policy compliance, and project management support. Table 20. FY 2025 Employee Professional Development Summary Employee Professional Development Title of Workshop Location # Attendees A Culture of Patient Experience Excellence – Leadership Overview (SRMC) St. Thomas 12 A Culture of Patient Experience Excellence – What Would I Want? (SRMC) St. Thomas 52 A Culture of Patient Experience Excellence (GVI) St. Croix 35 GHI & SOD: Benefits at a Glance/The Importance of Assertive Communication (VIL) S. Thomas 31 Brilliant Customer Service Online 67 GHI/Cigna: Mental Health First Aid St. Thomas 30 HR Guidance and Training Phone, Emails & Online 557 GVI HR Success Series … Staying in Gear Online 256 HRIT: HR Personnel Action Training St. Thomas 25 Integrity in Action: Navigating Ethics in the Workplace St. Thomas 447 Integrity in Action: Navigating Ethics in the Workplace St. Croix 359 NEOGOV Perform – Supervisor (DPP) St. Thomas 15 New Employee Welcome (NEW) Orientation Online 205 NEW Harassment Prevention Online 203 Respect at Work Online Module Online 727 Sexual Harassment Prevention - Supervisor St. Thomas 51 Sexual Harassment Prevention - Supervisor St. Croix 29 Total 3101 FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 21 Chart 4. Three Year Cost Summary of Donated Leave Table 21. Three Year Summary of Donated Leave Application Requests Donated Leave In Fiscal Year 2025, the Government of the Virgin Islands received a total of 330 donated leave requests from employees across various departments and agencies. Of these requests, 260 were approved, while 70 were denied. The total dollar value of donated leave awarded to date is $1,384,547.37. The table and charts above provide a cost summary of approved donated leave and a breakdown of donation requests over the past three fiscal years, offering insight into trends in employee support and program utilization. $2,096,239.79 $2,040,766.02 $1,384,547.37 FY 23 TOTAL COST FY 24 TOTAL COST FY 25 TOTAL COST Donated Leave Cost Summary Donated Leave Cost Summary Three Year Summary of Donated Leave Requests Description FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 Requests - Received 485 419 330 Requests - Approved 356 336 260 Requests - Denied 129 83 70 FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 22 Chart 4. Three Year Cost Summary of Donated Leave Table 22. Three Year Summary – Career Incentive Pay Program Career Incentive Pay Program The Career Incentive Pay Program rewards employees for achieving specific milestones in professional development, continuing education or career advancement that directly contribute to improved job performance and organizational effectiveness. These incentives serve as both a recognition of individual initiative and a strategic investment in workforce capability. In Fiscal Year 2025, the Division of Personnel received a total of seven (7) Career Incentive Pay applications. Following a thorough review process, six (6) applications were approved, while one (1) was denied. The approved applicants received incentive payments totaling $66,224.33. $195,865.06 $66,224.33 FY 24 TOTAL COST FY 25 TOTAL COST Career Incentive Pay Program Cost Summary Career Incentive Pay Cost Summary Three Year Summary of Career Incentive Pay Program Description FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 Requests - Received 24 25 7 Requests Approved 22 20 6 Requests - Rejected 2 5 1 FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 23 GVI Fellows Program I’m proud to share the continued progress of our GVI Fellows Program, with Cohort 3, comprising of six (6) individuals. Who are currently placed in the following government agencies the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Disaster Recovery, Office of the Governor, and the Department of Human Services. The planning for their Capstone Presentation and Recognition Ceremony is already underway, and each Fellow is actively engaged in the development of their Capstone project. Cohort 4 also includes six (6) Fellows, who are placed in the following agencies the Office of Management and Budget, Department of Finance, Economic Development Authority, Department of Property and Procurement, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, and the Office of Disaster Recovery. To strengthen connections and provide ongoing support, we recently hosted a Meet and Greet networking event. During the event, Fellows from Cohorts 3 and 4 were introduced to their mentors, who are experienced professionals from both the public and private sectors willing to provide guidance throughout the program. Building on this momentum, applications have just opened for Cohort 5 of the GVI Fellows Program, with a submission deadline of August 15, 2025. At the Division of Personnel, we remain committed to cultivating the next generation of public service leaders through this impactful program. Virgin Islands Certified Public Manager® Program Since its launch in 2013, a total of 253 individuals have successfully completed the Virgin Islands Certified Public Manager® (VICPM) Program. Cohort 6 concluded in August 2024, with 41 participants earning their Certified Public Manager® designation. The upcoming program cycle, Cohort 7, is scheduled to begin on August 5, 2025. The application period for the VICPM Program closed on June 23, 2025. Upcoming Projects FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 25 Territorial Recruitment Advertisement Campaign To strengthen our talent pipeline and attract qualified candidates across a range of sectors, the Division of Personnel issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an experienced marketing or advertising firm. The selected vendor will develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-platform recruitment marketing strategy, with creative assets that can also be customized by other agencies for their own recruitment efforts. This strategy is designed to raise local and national career opportunities within the GVI. It will also highlight the benefits of public service and living in the U.S. Virgin Islands, using targeted digital campaigns, social media outreach, and community engagement efforts to reach diverse audiences. Learning Management System To enhance employee development and streamline training delivery across departments, the Division of Personnel has released an RFP for a modern, scalable Learning Management System (LMS). The system will serve as a centralized platform for managing, delivering, and tracking employee training programs. With features such as virtual learning, course authoring, certification tracking, and performance analytics, the LMS will support a blended learning approach and help ensure that government employees have ongoing access to high-quality, role-specific training. This initiative supports the government’s broader goal of fostering a knowledgeable, skilled, and agile workforce. Through this initiative central government employees will have access to a catalog of over 30,000 free courses. Conclusion Thank you for the opportunity to present our Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal. This platform has allowed me to comprehensively outline our commitment to strengthening the government’s capability to attract, develop and retain a well-qualified workforce. I would also like to take a moment to recognize the hard work and dedication of our Personnel team. Special recognition goes to our Employees of the Year: Ms. Anavé Flaharty, a Jr. Network Analyst for the St. Thomas/St. John District, and Ms. Evril James, the Lead HRIT Technician for the St. Croix District both outstanding members of our HRIT team. My staff and I are available to answer any questions that you may have regarding our Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Testimony. Appendix FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 27 Rental Facilities Appendix - Table 1. Total FY 2026 Rental Facilities Summary RENTAL FACILITIES Lessor Address Sq. Ft. Annual Rent Funding Source Terms/Comments GERS 3438 Kronprindsens Gade GERS Complex St. Thomas 00802 10,870 $ 228,169.00 General Term 10/01/2022-9/30/2042 Golden Orange Center, Inc. 3009 Orange Grove Shopping Center Christiansted St. Croix 00820 5,600 $ 67,062.00 General Term 10/01/2020-9/30/2025 Vehicles Cost and Maintenance Summary Appendix - Table 2. Total FY 2026 Vehicles Cost and Maintenance Summary VEHICLES Activity Center Make Model Year License Plate No. Funding Lease / Own Conditions/ Comments Maintenance Cost FY 24 Gas Amount Dir. Office STT Chevrolet Traverse 2019 DP-1 General Own Good $ 118.31 $ 2,340.00 Dir. Office STT Ford Escape 2019 DP-6 General Own Good $ 145.46 $ 1,100.00 Admin STX Chevrolet Equinox 2020 DP-3 General Own Good $ 2,439.29 $ 1,600.00 Admin STX Ford Escape 2019 DP-7 General Own Good $ 400.00 $ 1,500.00 Personnel Listing Appendix - Table 3. Total FY 2026 Personnel Listing – Position Titles PERSONNEL LISTING – POSITION TITLES FTE* ACCOUNTING OFFICER GHI 1 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER II 2 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR PERSONNEL 1 ASSOCIATE CHIEF, GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE & WELLNESS 1 CHIEF GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE 1 CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 1 CHIEF OF STRATEGY & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 1 COORDINATOR FINANCIAL SERVICES 1 DEPUTY DIRECTOR 1 DIRECTOR 1 DOP LEGAL COUNSEL 1 EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST 2 EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT 1 GVI FELLOW 12 H.R.I.T SYSTEMS & OPERATIONS MANAGER 1 H.R.I.T TECHNICIAN 2 H.R.I.T. TECHNICIAN MANAGER 1 HELP DESK SPECIALIST 1 HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 1 HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR 1 HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST CPO 2 INSURANCE OFFICER 6 FY 2026 BUDGET TESTIMONY | DIVISION OF PERSONNEL | 28 JR. NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR 1 JUNIOR HUMAN RESOURCES TECHNICIAN 2 LEAD H.R.I.T. TECHNICIAN 1 OFFICE SUPPORT WORKER 1 PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER 1 RECEPTIONIST/COLLECTOR 1 RECRUITMENT AND CLASSIFICATION SPECIALIST CPO 2 RECRUITMENT AND CLASSIFICATION TECHNICIAN 2 SENIOR INSURANCE OFFICER 1 SENIOR RECRUITMENT & CLASSIFICATION SPECIALIST CPO 1 TERRITORIAL ADMINISTRATOR RECRUITMENT & CLASSIFICATION 1 TRAINING COORDINATOR 1 57 Vacant Positions Appendix - Table 3. Total FY 2026 Personnel Listing – Vacant Positions VACANT POSITIONS BENEFITS ANALYST GHI 0.83 FINANCIAL AND BUDGET SPECIALIST 1 H.R.I.T TECHNICIAN 0.67 H.R.I.T TECHNICIAN 0.67 HUMAN RESOURCES TECHNICIAN 0.67 RECRUITER 0.83 SENIOR BENEFITS ANALYST GHI 0.83 SENIOR BENEFITS ANALYST GHI 0.83 TRAINING COORDINATOR 0.83 7.16