V.I. Next Gen Network Announces New C.E.O.

ST. THOMAS — The Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (viNGN) announced at its board meeting today the appointment of Dr. H. Mark McGibbon, above, as its new president and chief executive officer effective August 1, 2016. Dr. McGibbon will replace board member and Interim President Dr. Peter Schultz, who assumed the role on March 10, following the resignation of former C.E.O. Tonjia Coverdale. Dr. Schultz will continue to serve as a board member and secretary of viNGN.

Dr. McGibbon brings over thirty-five years of experience in the information technology and business development sectors, including network operations as a United States Naval Officer. His educational background includes two Doctoral Degrees, two Masters Degrees, and eighteen Graduate Certificates in the fields of Information Technology and Business Leadership and he is also a Harvard Senior Executive Fellow.

During the Board Meeting, Dr. McGibbon told fellow board members that his initial focus is to develop a collaborative and strategic approach that will maximize access to the viNGN backbone by the territory’s local internet service providers, ensuring that government, businesses, and residents alike are able to benefit from the all fiber-optic high speed broadband network throughout the Virgin Islands.

“The people of the Virgin Islands have a tremendous asset in the viNGN network, which opens doors to vast areas of information technology and opportunities in areas such as health care, transportation infrastructure, online education, emergency response and preparedness to name just a few, and my preliminary goal is to ensure that we are maximizing the potential of our broadband network to facilitate growth and opportunity for the entire territory, said Dr. McGibbon.

“Whether it be teleconferencing, online educational classes, or video and audio streaming the viNGN network provides a tremendous opportunity to the residents and businesses of the Virgin Islands, and we will be focusing on making access throughout territory a top priority, he added.

Interim President Dr. Schultz praised the appointment of Dr. McGibbon as the right choice to move the government-owned entity forward.

“I believe that Mark is an excellent choice as the next President and CEO of viNGN. He has the background, education, and more importantly the experience needed to move the company forward. I look forward to working closely with him to achieve the overall goals of viNGN,” Dr. Schultz said.

Image Credit: Government House