The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) has named Merlinda Philomene to be deputy director of Human Resources and Labor Relations, effective Monday, Aug. 16.
Philomene started her career in government at the Office of Collective Bargaining then served at the Department of Education. Prior to this appointment, she was the human resources manager at the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority.
She holds a B.S. in Human Resources Management, is Lean Six Sigma – Green Belt certified and has several certifications and memberships in Human Resources and Labor Relations.
“VITEMA is pleased that Ms. Philomene has agreed to join our team; she will be tasked with improving policies and procedures in Human Resources and Labor Relations and focused on recruitment for the agency,” said Director Daryl D. Jaschen.
As the Deputy Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations, she will be responsible for more than 150 employees, territory-wide, and she will be based on St. Croix.
Philomene said, “I am proud to be joining an agency that is focused on improving planning, emergency and recovery efforts for the territory. I look forward to supporting the employees of VITEMA, as well as the community and aiding with improving our quality of life, while encouraging the highest standards in government transparency and public trust.”
Effective Aug. 16, contact Merlinda Philomene at merlinda.Philomene@vitema.vi.gov or 773-2244.