The Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (VIOC) has elected John Abramson Jr. to be president, marking a new era of leadership. He was elected on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the annual meeting of the committee’s general assembly. Abramson’s tenure as president will begin a new Olympic Cycle following Paris 2024.
Abramson steps into the role previously held by Angel ‘Chico’ Morales, who has led the VI Olympics Committee with distinction over the past 12 years.
Abramson has been an executive member of the committee since 2012 and has served as vice president for the St. Croix District and most recently as secretary general. While serving in those key roles, among many other duties, Abramson also headed Team ISV’s delegations into the competition as Chef de Mission for the CAC Games 2014, PanAm Games 2015 and Olympic Games 2016.
This life-long public servant has had several positions in the executive and legislative branches of the Government of the Virgin Islands. He is the former Supervisor of Elections, former Territorial Energy Director, and chief of staff for senators Alicia Torres-James, Adelbert M. Bryan and Judy M. Gomez and consultant to the Office of Senator Judy M. Gomez. He was also elected to serve on the 10th Board of Education.
Abramson also has significant experience in the private sector with the Private Industry Council, Energy Resources International Inc. and Virgin Islands Tea Company Inc. In addition to 30 years of public/private service, he has been active in numerous community organizations, such as The Resource Conservation and Development Council, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Virgin Islands Tourism Awareness Link, Virgin Islands Basketball Federation, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., National Highway Safety Advisory Board, the National Association of Parliamentarians and the National Association of Public Administrators.
He was also a member of the Girl Scout Council Virgin Islands Board of Directors. He has been a part-time professor of economic and social science at the University of the Virgin Islands, a member of the Government Health Insurance Board of Directors, a member of Rotary West of St. Croix and the president of the Frederiksted Economic Development Association.
With John Abramson Jr. at the helm and a dedicated executive team that includes seasoned leaders — Ansen Sligar, Desiree Miranda, Athneil “Bobby” Thomas, Brigitte Berry and Natalia Kuipers — the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee is well-equipped to continue its mission of promoting and developing Olympic sports across the islands with added transparency.
This team’s diverse experiences and commitment to both athletes and the community will ensure that the Virgin Islands remains a strong presence on the international stage. Together, they are set to guide the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee into a new era of success and opportunity for athletes at all levels.
