Leah Vanterpool has been appointed as the University of the Virgin Islands new vice president of Administration and Finance and chief financial officer, effective Oct. 28. Vanterpool, a distinguished business and financial professional with over 30 years of experience, will lead the university’s financial operations and strategic planning, ensuring sustainable growth and fiscal responsibility, the university announced.
Vanterpool, a native of St. Maarten and raised on St. Thomas, is a proud graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School. She is excited to return to the territory to bring a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and financial expertise to the UVI community. Throughout her career, Vanterpool has held numerous high-level positions in various industries, including health care, manufacturing, communications, energy, and government. With a Certified Public Accountant designation and multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. and dual master’s degrees in business administration and accounting and financial management, Vanterpool is known for her strategic, results-driven approach to executive financial management, according to the press release.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Leah Vanterpool to the UVI family,” said Safiya George, president of UVI. “Her exceptional expertise and proven leadership in financial management will be a tremendous asset to our institution as we continue to advance UVI’s mission and ensure the long-term sustainability of our university. We look forward to the strategic insight she will bring as we embark on this exciting new chapter.”
Vanterpool’s leadership extends beyond financial management. As the CEO of Vanterpool Consulting, she has guided organizations through phases of growth, acquisitions, and expansions while implementing policies that enhance efficiency and drive financial stability. Her cross-functional leadership and ability to manage multi-million to billion-dollar budgets have earned her a reputation as a transformative leader, the release stated.
Vanterpool’s work has been recognized globally, with accolades such as the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards (2016, 2023), the Wisdom and Wealth Awards (Dubai, 2023, 2024), Asia’s Golden Icon Award (2024) and the Marquis Who’s Who Honored Listee for Professional Excellence in Accounting (2024). She is also a dynamic public speaker and advocate for women’s empowerment and transformational leadership, regularly sharing her insights on leadership, change management, and financial excellence, it said.
In her new role, Vanterpool will oversee UVI’s financial health, ensuring that the institution’s assets are managed efficiently, its financial policies are robust, and its fiscal strategies align with long-term goals. Her extensive experience in financial oversight, risk mitigation, and growth management positions her to lead UVI into a new era of stability and success, according to the release.
UVI also extends its heartfelt thanks to Nereida Washington, who has served as interim vice president of Administration & Finance/CFO. “Ms. Washington’s dedication and leadership during her tenure have been invaluable, and the University deeply appreciates her contributions,” noted George.
