Chief Financial Officer Jacob “Jake” Lewis has resigned from his role with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority to pursue a new professional opportunity. Lewis will remain with the authority until the end of the year to ensure a seamless transition, the authority announced Friday.
Lewis has been an integral part of the team, contributing significantly to the development of the authority’s Strategic Plan and efforts to achieve financial stability, according to the press release.
“I have worked with Jake since 2015 and I am sorry to see him go. He has been a tremendous asset to WAPA and has contributed to significant improvement not only in the Authority’s finance function but also across the entire organization. He approached his work with a deep commitment and the highest integrity, and I thank him for that. I believe I speak for the entire WAPA family in wishing Jake and his family the best of luck in his new role.” said CEO Andrew Smith.
Stepping into the role of Interim CFO is the authority’s current director of accounting/comptroller, Lorraine Kelly. Kelly brings with her a wealth of experience and a strong financial background, with over 30 years of expertise in finance and accounting management, including prior CFO experience in her previous capacity, including at ASHINC Corporation and as Partner at Tatum LLC., the press release stated.
“Interim CFO Kelly joined WAPA about one year ago and has been instrumental in helping drive the turnaround of the authority. Like Jake, she brings a deep commitment to her work and works with the highest integrity. Her background will be a great asset in her new role, and I look forward to working closely with her to continue the turnaround of WAPA.” said Smith.
Kelly’s accomplishments include spearheading finance and compliance initiatives that have steered financially challenged companies toward stability and growth. Recognized for her excellence in the field, Kelly received numerous accolades, including the top consultant at Tatum, the CEO Award of Excellence at Verizon, and esteemed recognitions for embodying the highest standards of character and integrity within her work and community, the release stated.
Most recently, in 2023, Kelly was awarded by Marquis Who’s Who as Who’s Who Women “Professional Women of Influence” and Who’s Who in America awards. Her philanthropic efforts spanning two decades with organizations like Partnership Against Domestic Violence, Girl Scouts, Zonta International, and UNICEF underscore her commitment to advancing the status of women and children while combatting domestic violence and human trafficking, it said.
Kelly resides on St. Thomas with her husband and one of two daughters currently enrolled at the University of the Virgin Islands, according to the release.
The authority expresses immense gratitude to Lewis for his contributions and extends a warm welcome to Kelly. The authority is confident that under Kelly’s guidance, WAPA will continue to thrive and achieve its strategic objectives, it said.
