Plaskett Potter Leadership team begins work to prepare an administration focused on effective government, accountability, and results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

November 5, 2026 

Leadership team begins work to prepare an administration focused on effective  government, accountability, and results 

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor-elect Stacey E. Plaskett and Lieutenant  Governor-elect Milton E. Potter today announced the leadership team responsible  for coordinating the transition to the incoming Plaskett–Potter administration, as  preparations move forward for the January 4, 2027, inauguration. 

The announcement marks an important step in preparing an administration  committed to delivering reliable public services, strengthening government  performance, and creating greater opportunity for Virgin Islanders across the  Territory. 

“The people of the Virgin Islands have given us a clear mandate, and we take that  responsibility seriously,” said Governor-elect Plaskett. “We are bringing together  people with diverse experience, knowledge, and a shared commitment to public  service. Our responsibility now is to turn the priorities we discussed throughout this  campaign into action and prepare a government that delivers results our people can  see and progress they can feel.” 

Erwin Raphael has been named Transition Director, bringing extensive  experience in executive leadership. Most recently, Erwin served as Senior Vice  President, Global Revenue at Lucid Motors, leading its worldwide commercial  organization. His career spans Toyota, Chrysler (Stellantis), Hyundai, Genesis  Motor America, and Amazon Transportation Systems.  

Dean Plaskett has been named Chief of Staff. A former Commissioner of the  Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Plaskett holds a juris  doctorate (JD) degree and brings experience in public administration and  government operations.

“Dean Plaskett’s past conviction is a matter of public record. He has served his  sentence, and that chapter of his life does not erase the experience, knowledge, and  abilities he brings to his work,” said Governor-elect Plaskett. “We believe  individuals should be judged not only by their past, but also by their capacity to  contribute meaningfully today. As Chief of Staff, Mr. Plaskett will be held to the  same standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability expected of  everyone entrusted with serving the people of the Virgin Islands.” 

Cosme Christian and Ashley Scotland will serve as Deputy Transition  Directors, supporting the coordination of transition activities, agency reviews, and  organizational preparations. 

The transition leadership team also includes: 

• Kurell Sheridan, Chief of Operations 

• Chivonne Thomas, Legal Director 

• Lorna A. C. Thomas, Communications Director 

• Shani DeWindt, Communications Co-Director 

• Renee McAlpin Petersen, Community Outreach Coordinator • Elizabeth Centeno, Landing Team Coordinator 

In addition, the Governor-elect and Lieutenant Governor-elect announced the  leadership of the inaugural planning effort: 

• Jonathan Buckney-Small and Paulette Potter, Honorary Inaugural Chairs • Jerry Garcia, Inaugural Chair 

• Nellie Varlack, Inaugural Director, St. Thomas 

• Shamari Haynes, Inaugural Director, St. Croix 

• Leona Smith, Inaugural Director, St. John 

The transition process will include a comprehensive review of government  operations, the development of priorities for the incoming administration, and the  identification of qualified individuals interested in public service. Fourteen policy  committees will examine critical areas, including energy, healthcare, education,  housing, public safety, infrastructure, and economic development.

Lieutenant Governor-elect Potter emphasized the importance of preparing the  government to operate effectively from the outset. 

“Our work begins with understanding what is working, what needs to change, and  how we can build a more responsive and effective government,” Potter said. “This  transition is about more than preparing to take office. It is about preparing to  deliver.” 

The incoming administration is also inviting Virgin Islanders throughout the  Territory and the diaspora to participate in the transition by sharing ideas, identifying  priorities, and applying to serve. 

Residents can learn more about the transition leadership, submit their qualifications  for consideration, and follow announcements at  www.plaskettpottertransition.com. 

“Throughout this campaign, we said that government should work as hard as the  people it serves,” Plaskett added. “That commitment guides the work we are  beginning today. We are preparing to deliver, and we invite every Virgin Islander to  help us build the future we deserve.” 

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