U.S. Virgin Islands

DIRECTOR

State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative

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Meet Teri Helenese!

As the Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for the Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, Teri Helenese plays a pivotal role in policy development and advocacy. She skillfully champions Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s priorities, leveraging her deep understanding of policy formulation, powerful advocacy, and wide-reaching collaborations to drive meaningful change. From securing significant funding to pioneering initiatives for student support, affordable housing and economic development, her work spans a wide array of critical areas, contributing to the prosperity of the Virgin Islands.

About Teri And Roots & Inspirations

Professional Achievements

Showcasing a legacy of impactful initiatives in community, policy, and innovation.

Recent Projects

Highlighting Teri's latest efforts to drive change through strategic collaborations and advocacy.

Recent Events

Explore where Teri has recently made her mark, showing support, sharing insights and leading conversations.

Professional Achievements

USVI Madras Copyright Registration

Discover how Teri utilized her expertise in U.S. Copyright laws to celebrate the Virgin Islands’ heritage and set a precedent for cultural symbol preservation.

Sports Tourism

Teri demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in bridging sports and tourism.

Public Policy

Discover Teri’s expertise in advocating for positive change and highlighting the importance of the Virgin Islands on the national stage.

Make a Glance!

Thought  Leadership

Delve into insightful articles on innovative COVID-19 vaccination strategies, exemplary leadership
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Recent Projects

USVI & CARICOM

Elevating the USVI’s Voice in CARICOM

Teri is dedicated to developing policies for the Virgin Islands as a Functional Cooperation Member of CARICOM.

Judicial Equity

Advocating for Judicial Equity with H.R. 282 and Term Extensions

Teri has teamed up with Chief Judge Robert A. Molloy, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) to push for key legislative reforms, aiming to institutionalize Term Extensions for judges.

Visa Waiver

Visa Waiver

Teri is spearheading collaborative efforts with key stakeholders to implement an innovative Program.

Good Dad Act

The Good Dad Act

Teri is actively advocating for equal rights for fathers and legal parity for parents to effect positive change.

Health Equity

Empowering Health Equity

Teri is actively collaborating to improve health outcomes for Medicaid recipients in the Virgin Islands, notably targeting sickle cell disease and addressing regional health disparities.

Second Chances

Championing Second Chances

Teri champions the Second Chances Initiative working with federal partners in Washington, D.C., advocating for clemency and positive re-entry opportunities for former offenders in the Virgin Islands.

USVI & CARICOM
Judicial Equity
Visa Waiver
Good Dad Act
Health Equity
Second Chances

Recent Events

Crucian Teri Helenese Joins Virginia’s African American Advisory Board

Teri Helenese, a St. Croix native now living in Virginia, was sworn in Sept. 19 along with 15 other community leaders from Virginia

Virgin Islander has been appointed to Virginia governor’s advisory board

Virgin Islander Teri Helenese has been appointed by Gov. Ralph Northam to Virginia’s African American Advisory Board

Government of the Virgin Islands Teams with Google To Deliver Accurate Local Information about COVID-19

Government of the Virgin Islands Teams with Google To Deliver Accurate Local Information about COVID-19

Who’s Who of Professional Women, Civic Work, Government, Technology

Teri Helenese became involved in her profession because, for as long as she could remember, she had been much attuned to civil rights

Testimonials

“I am amazed at Teri’s organizational skills and how she assimilates every application to which she has access. Without fail, she delivers on tasks ahead of established timelines while identifying the practical options as solutions. Her contributions to the final product or the desired outcomes are intricately woven into her extremely sharp analytical skills. Teri is a progressive thinker; and bold in her approach that reflects an unshaken foundation. Most notable though is her negotiation abilities which often yields bountiful results and a clear and identifiable path towards the success of the project. She is as engaging as she is thoughtful, considerate, and trustworthy.”

Carol M. Burke

Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of the United States Virgin Islands

“Teri showed clear signs of promise at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Her professional achievements and the accolades she has received over the years is proof that discipline and hard work pays off. Teri makes GSPM very proud. She’s a shining star!”

Ron Faucheux

The George Washington University, Graduate School of Political Management Professor and American Lawyer, Scholar, Non-Fiction Author and Political Consultant

“I have seen Teri manage programs with multiple work streams, competing resource needs and deadlines, and she kept them all on track, on time and on budget. When she worked with me at International SOS, Teri took over the management of an immense program, moving the organization to a new Target Operating Model. She was able to quickly gain understanding of the work streams and get them on track ensuring the successful completion of every major milestone. She is able to work with people with many different viewpoints to bring them into consensus, and even inspire enthusiasm in order to achieve ambitious goals.”

Joan Stack

International SOS, Senior Vice President (retired)

“As a program manager at Booz Allen Hamilton, Teri delivered high quality public-private partnership solutions to address the multi-disciplinary demands needed and she effectively integrated siloed business functions of Federal clients.”

Kathleen Dyer

Booz Allen Hamilton, Principal (retired)

“Teri’s tenure at two major consulting firms, coupled with her team leadership roles and as a mother of two young children has encouraged others to succeed in their own passion and career development.”

Michael Lestingi

Deloitte Consulting Director

“Teri was one of my first hires during the startup of Diageo’s Captain Morgan Rum Distillery and we knew how important it was to hire someone locally to fill such a big role in Human Resources. Teri was instrumental in getting the Plant off to a great start.”

Dan Kirby

Diageo's Captain Morgan Distillery Vice President (retired)

Teri made a big impact during her years with Deloitte – where the combination of her creative side, analytic aptitude, and collaborative spirit made an indelible impact on our clients, and our people. We are thrilled to see her success!

Dan Helfrich

Deloitte Consulting Chairman and CEO

“Teri is inspirational in her leadership and makes the world better around her. Teri sets the bar high for herself and helps others to succeed. Teri’s professionalism, compassion and caring for others, and drive for making a positive impact have made a lasting impression on those who have had the privilege to have known and worked with her. We can all expect more great things on the horizon from this amazing woman!”

Joni Swedlund

Principal, Deloitte Consulting (Retired)

“Teri is a brilliant and resourceful leader on our team, we count on her in Washington to keep us on pace and so far we are above the curve.”

Albert Bryan Jr.

U.S. Virgin Islands Governor
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Let's Connect

Teri would love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out and contribute to the conversation on public policy, community concerns, and local initiatives.

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U.S. Virgin Islands