Plaskett, Potter unveil transition team led by auto executive Raphael

Governor-elect Stacey Plaskett and Lieutenant Governor-elect Milton Potter have unveiled their transition leadership structure, appointing Erwin Raphael, a former automotive industry executive, as transition director to oversee the shift to office on January 4, 2027.

Raphael will lead a team tasked with reviewing government departments, setting initial policy priorities and hiring skilled workers from across the territory and the diaspora. The incoming administration has established 14 policy committees to assess how government operates and draft recommendations for the first 100 days in power.

Raphael's background spans senior roles at Hyundai Motor America and its Genesis luxury division, where he served as general manager overseeing the brand's strategic direction. He previously held the position of Hyundai's western regional manager, responsible for more than 165 dealerships across 12 states. He also worked in management and engineering at Chrysler, Toyota Motor Manufacturing and International Truck and Engine Company.

Born in Dominica and raised on St. Croix, Raphael holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Ohio State University and has studied applied mathematics and economics at the graduate level. He completed eight years of service in the United States Army. In July 2025, he appeared before the Legislature's Committee on Rules and Judiciary as a nominee to the Board of Directors of the University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park.

Dean Plaskett serves as chief of staff, while Ashley Scotland and Cosme Christian hold the rank of deputy transition directors. Kurrel Sheridan manages operations.

Chivonne Thomas, an attorney and partner at Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel LLP, leads legal affairs. She previously worked as chief legal counsel at a Virgin Islands hospital and as director of the Medical Malpractice and Risk Unit at the Virgin Islands Department of Justice. She served as president of the Virgin Islands Bar Association in 2019.

Lorna Thomas directs communications, with Shani DeWindt as communications co-director. DeWindt, a native of St. Thomas, has worked in political communications and has led efforts to preserve Virgin Islands history through digital media, including a 2021 social media campaign addressing historical inaccuracies.

Cosme Christian currently serves as chief of staff to Potter in the 36th Legislature. Ashley Scotland is associated with Triple A Strategic Solutions LLC, a Virgin Islands consulting firm, and has participated in territorial workforce development discussions.

The transition team's roster also names Jonathan Buckney-Small, Plaskett's husband, and Paulette Potter as honorary inaugural chairs. Jerry Garcia serves as inaugural chair. Nellie Varlack oversees inaugural planning for St. Thomas, Shamari Haynes for St. Croix and Leona Smith for St. John. Renee McAlpin Petersen coordinates community outreach and Elizabeth Centeno manages the landing team.

The incoming administration launched an official transition website displaying the team structure. The site has been promoted through the team's social media channels. This marks the first formal preparation effort for the new administration to take control of territorial government.