The Magens Bay Authority has appointed Assistant Commissioner of Tourism Alani A. Henneman to its board of directors, it announced Sunday evening.
Henneman, who replaces longtime board member Katina Coulianos, “brings more than 20 years of experience in communications, marketing, and public relations, along with a strong record of service to the Virgin Islands community,” the announcement stated.
As assistant commissioner, Henneman oversees the marketing and promotion of the territory as a premier travel destination, it said. “She has collaborated extensively with federal and local partners, semi-autonomous agencies, and the private sector, and also serves as the Department of Tourism’s Emergency Service Coordinator during times of crisis.”
Her career with the Tourism Department spans over two decades, including roles as Public Relations Manager, Manager of Media and Travel Industry Relations, Director of Communications, and now Assistant Commissioner of Marketing, according to the release. It said she has also successfully led public relations campaigns, organized high-profile events, and represented the Virgin Islands both locally and abroad.
“Ms. Henneman’s expertise in tourism and communications will be a tremendous asset to the Authority,” Barbara Petersen, chair of the board, said in a statement. “We are honored to welcome her to the Board as we continue our work to protect and enhance Magens Bay and Smith Bay Park for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.”
Henneman did not respond to an emailed request for comment Monday.
Her appointment comes after the board met last month to consider three members whose six-year terms were expiring and voted 4-3 to end Coulianos’ tenure. Petersen and Robert Moron — who has shepherded the park’s Hurricane Irma rebuilding through an onerous approval process — were unanimously approved for new terms.
The Magens Bay Authority is a self-funded semi-autonomous agency, and while the board issued a request for resumes from interested applicants when longtime member Elliott “Mac” Davis died in September 2021, it is not required to do so under its bylaws and in fact chose Jason Charles to replace Davis on the recommendation of the governor, Petersen said when asked about the process last week.
The bylaws are, and continue to be, the controlling authority regarding the nomination and vote of new members to the board, she said. “There is no provision which compels a specific process for placing the names of persons in nomination for service on the board of directors.”
For more information, visit www.magensbayauthority.org or contact the authority at info@magensbayauthority.org.
