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

Make a Glance!

Thought  Leadership

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

USVI & NGA

Navigating Federal Pathways: Teri Helenese Champions Critical Appropriations for the USVI at the NGA

Teri Helenese played a pivotal role at the National Governors Association (NGA) Weekly Director/Washington Representative Meeting focused on Appropriations Priorities.

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.

Rum Cover-Over

Rum Cover-Over

Teri has been at the forefront of efforts to educate vital congressional committees on the critical importance of the Rum Cover-Over legislation.

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.

USVI & NGA
USVI &
CARICOM
Rum Cover-Over
Judicial Equity
Visa Waiver
Good Dad Act

Recent Events

Washington Post Live: Bridging the Digital Divide

At the personal invitation of Kathy Baird, the Chief Operating Officer of the Washington Post, Teri had the honor of attending the Washington Post Live event.

Teri Helenese at the FAA's Caribbean American Heritage Month Event
FAA Meeting: Celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month

At the personal invitation of Kathy Baird, the Chief Operating Officer of the Washington Post, Teri had the honor of attending the Washington Post Live event.

Teri Helenese with Deborah Chandler, CEO and Partner, KF Media Group
Screening of Documentary “Every Last Mile”: Bridging the Digital Divide

At the personal invitation of Kathy Baird, the Chief Operating Officer of the Washington Post, Teri had the honor of attending the Washington Post Live event.

Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship

Teri joined the vibrant celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship at Government House on October 9, 2024.

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Recent Events

Visit to Danish Embassy

Teri was a member of a Virgin Islands delegation led by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. that visited the Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Florence Augusta Williams Public Library

Teri celebrates the significant role of the Florence Augusta Williams Public Library in enriching St. Croix.

#RolandMartin
Unfiltered Show

Teri facilitated Governor Bryan’s interview with Roland S. Martin during the National Governors Association Winter Meetings.

U.S. Virgin Islands’ AgriFest 2024

Teri passionately supports the Virgin Islands’ AgriFest.

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
Your input matters - let’s make a difference together.

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