Committee On Rules And Judiciary Approves National Guard, Human Services And Sports, Parks & Recreation Nominees

The Committee on Rules and Judiciary on Thursday approved three of Governor Albert Bryan’s nominees: Dept. of Human Services Commissioner Nominee Kimberley Causey-Gomez, VI National Guard Adjutant General nominee Colonel Kodjo Knox-Limbacker, and Calvert White, Dept. of Sports, Parks, and Recreation commissioner nominee.

The latest nominations, though not Mr. Bryan’s final, bring the governor closer to completing his cabinet. Last month, the territory’s leader held ceremonies for 18 cabinet members who had been approved by the Senate.

On Thursday, the aforementioned three vowed to run exemplary government arms for the betterment of the territory.

“If voted positively on this journey to serve as the commissioner for the Department of Human Services, it will take a shift in attitude to change the current culture. If we want a change, we must be willing to do things differently. Building rapport and relationships through a strength-based perspective that is team-oriented is crucial. I always ask. “what is the solution?” when someone presents an issue or a problem. This helps with critical thinking skills and empowers staff to help themselves create resolutions,” said Ms. Causey-Gomez.

“I am process improvement and outcome driven and look for facts and data in decision making. Social work and helping people to make a difference in their own lives is my passion and my life’s work. I am ready and prepared to lead our qualified team and the residents of our territory in finding solutions to improving the quality of life and along the say. breaking the cycle of poverty for our families,” she added.

Mr. White, who was acting D.S.P.R. commissioner during the Mapp administration and know firsthand of the challenges the department has faced following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, storms that either damaged or destroyed D.S.P.R. facilities, said he knew the job would be challenging, but “nothing is so complicated that it cannot be simplified by hard work,” he said.

Mr. White later added, “If confirmed, my biggest challenge will be the repairing of our facilities territory-wide with over 50 total facilities, parks, community centers, basketball courts, and open spaces. I am in discussions with the governor regarding a project manager to manage our recovery projects territory wide. The Office of Disaster Recovery has been helping to identify an individual or company that would manage the rebuilding of our facilities. In addition to the FEMA awards, the department is also aggressively seeking additional grants.”

Colonel Knox-Limbacker said, “If confirmed to be the adjutant general, the community must know I will lead from the front, understanding “mission first and people always”. I will continue to be the “scholar warrior” and diplomatic strategic leader who will continue the transformational changes to the Virgin Islands National Guard. This transformation is required to mitigate risk to our military profession of arms, which not only defends our nation, but provides options for our nation’s leaders in a complex security environment.”

The nominees will be forwarded to the full body.