INCREASING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT

The VIPD’s Strategic Plan specifies the objectives and strategies of the organization’s performance. A major component of that objective is making sure we have the right people on the boat. All the leadership and human performance literature and research indicates that without the right people, especially in leadership roles, on the boat you will never attain the optimal success. With that in mind, the VIPD wishes to introduce the following new members of our VIPD family.

NADJA DEANNE HARRIGAN, ESQ
Deputy Commissioner, Support Services

Attorney Nadja Harrigan’s extensive educational and professional career has been grounded in political philosophy, economics, social justice, and law. She earned her baccalaureate degree and a Certificate in Latin American Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where she majored in Political Science, Philosophy and Economics, and graduated with honors. Her honors thesis, Theories of Justice, crystallized her interest in jurisprudence. She later earned a Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law Center.

Her academic interests were further enriched by her avocation as a senior flight attendant, which afforded her the opportunity not only to meet and interact closely with people from across the globe, but also to ensure their safety. The added value that she brought to that dimension of people’s lives earned her the reputation of having outstanding “people skills,” a distinction that has served her well in all of her professional undertakings.

Attorney Harrigan’s responsible leadership style was exhibited early in her academic career in various positions at the University of Pittsburgh including President of the Philosophy Club; Member of the Judicial Board; Member of Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society; Tutor, Economics and Spanish; Instrumentalist, Marching Band, Pep Band and Concert Band; Section Leader, Saxophone Section of the Marching Band; and Vocalist, Pitt Jazz Ensemble. At The George Washington University Law Center, she was the Evening Representative for the Black Law Student Association and Parliamentarian for the Student Health Law Association. Attorney Harrigan’s legal career began in a pro-bono capacity at a Health Law Rights Clinic in Washington, D.C., where she was primarily responsible for educating clients about their rights, promulgating proper procedures, and creating a more efficient method for processing dual eligibility Medicare and Medicaid recipients in the Department of Human Services and Department of Health Systems.

Her invaluable experience as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Ishmael A. Meyers and subsequently for the Honorable Ive Arlington Swan provided a well-rounded legal foundation for an illustrious legal career. Following her tenure at the Superior Court, Attorney Harrigan joined the law firm of A.J. Weiss and Associates, where she honed critical skills in civil and criminal litigation.

Attorney Harrigan recently returned to the Public Service where she was appointed Deputy Commissioner, Support Services and Logistics, in the V.I. Police Department. Under the general supervision of the Police Commissioner Elton Lewis, Attorney Harrigan shall provide advice, information and data on matters pertaining to the Division and Bureaus under her portfolio.

"I feel privileged and honored to be part of the Virgin Islands Police Department team and look forward to being an integral part of increasing the overall performance of Support Services and of the VIPD."

SANDRA O. WEBSTER, CPA
Chief Financial Officer

Sandra O Webster is the Chief Financial Officer for the Virgin Islands Police Department. Through her leadership, Ms. Webster ensures the financial health of the organization, including responsibility for ensuring that VIPD resources are effectively employed toward the achievement of VIPD's strategic plan. She manages the organization's budget and financial operations, directs the preparation and submission of financial and budgetary reports, and coordinates Agency financial management activities with other Government agencies. She also is an active participant with the Office of Management and Budget in supporting implementation of the Police Commissioner's Management Agenda.

Ms. Webster joined The Virgin Islands Police Department in December 2005 when she was selected as the Chief Financial Officer for Financial Management for the territory. Since that time, she has made significant strides toward improving agency-wide financial integrity. She has launched several management initiatives, aligned with the principles of accounting and financial management.

Ms. Webster earned an Associate in Arts degree in Business Data Processing from Los Angeles Trade Technical College in 1983. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1990 from The University of Maryland, College Park. Ms Webster has been licensed to practice as a Certified Public Accountant in both the state of Maryland and the Virgin Islands since 1994. Ms. Webster comes to us with a wide range of accounting and financial experience. She has worked in public accounting for two of the largest accounting firms on St. Croix; Andreas, Esberg & Company, CPA’s and Brammer, Chasen & O’Connell, CPA’s. She has served as Controller for CaribSupply, St. Croix, Inc. and as the Senior Accountant for Innovative Communications Corporation, Inc. Prior to arriving at VIPD, Ms. Webster has worked in the capacity of Chief Financial Officer, Millennium Management VI, LLLP. Ms. Webster is an established business owner. She has owned and operated a Certified Public Accounting practice in Frederiksted where she has served members of the community since 1999. Ms. Webster is also a member of the Virgin Islands Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Ms. Webster’s desire is to improve VIPD's financial health and performance. Her leadership and resourcefulness will be invaluable assets to the VIPD Community.

SHAWNA K. RICHARDS
Public Relations Manager

Shawna K. Richards is a native Virgin Islander and a graduate of the Virgin Islands’ public school system. She joined the Virgin Islands Police Department as its Public Relations Manager on March 27, 2006.

Ms Richards is a proud alumna of Hampton University, the historically black college located in Hampton, Virginia, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Arts in 1989. Her graduate school studies led her to Boston, Massachusetts and to Emerson College, the only comprehensive college or university in America dedicated exclusively to the study of communication and the arts. She graduated from Emerson College in 1991 with a Masters degree in Communication Studies, concentrating in Business and Organizational Communication.

Ms. Richards recently returned home to the territory after living in Maryland since 2004. While living on the mainland she acquired invaluable experience in corporate communications and relations when she was employed at The Washington Post Company as an assistant to the Corporate Communications and Legal departments. The Washington Post Company is the parent organization of diversified media and education companies including The Washington Post Newspaper, Kaplan, Cable One and Newsweek Magazine.

Ms. Richards is the former Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission.

KIM LYONS
Special Assistant to the Commissioner
St. John

Ms. Lyons came to the Virgin Islands Police Department from being President of her own company where she specialized in integrated marketing communications and public relations. Clients ranged from the Virgin Islands, Federal Government, Restaurants, Hotels and various non-profits.

She was also the proud owner of St. John’s Purple Door a 16 table restaurant. While the Development Director for Friends of Virgin Islands where she was heavily involved in fundraising, grant research and writing, special events and of course, her specialty, public relations.

Ms. Lyons also has extensive experience in the corporate world with a major client being AT&T. Government Affairs, Development and Regulatory Affairs, Public and Media Relations, Marketing Communications and Stakeholder Relations were her primary assignments. Financial control and management were also integral to her responsibilities with accountability for up to $300 million budgets.

Included in her vast experience was being the Vice President of Greengage Associates in New York, Account Executive for the USVI Department of Tourism and Assistant to the President.

Recently, Kim Lyons, was asked to speak at the Dr. Martin Luther King event for the third consecutive year. Lyons, who grew up on St. John was possibly the most outspoken about issues facing the smallest of the US Virgin Islands. The theme of the gathering was "One Person Making a Difference." Ms. Lyons is certainly sharing that characteristic as a member of the Virgin Islands Police Department. Ms. Lyons received her education from Hunter College, City of University of New York.

"I have never been so fulfilled in a position of responsibility then I am today. The leadership of the Police Commissioner, the spirit, dedication and commitment of my colleagues allowing me to optimize my talents, and the strategic direction of the VIPD provides me the stage from which I can truly make a difference."