Mrs. Michelle Donovan Stevens has been appointed as Strategy and Policy Development Lead within the Premier’s Office. Mrs. Donovan Stevens’ career in the Public Service spans over 15 years  of senior leadership experience as Director and Deputy Director of Human Resources.

As Strategy and Policy Development Lead, Mrs. Donovan Stevens will play a central role in strengthening and ensuring the effective execution of the public policy, planning, and monitoring and evaluation framework in alignment with the strategic priorities of the Premier’s Office. In this capacity, she will collaborate with government agencies and external partners to co-develop policy interventions and achieve key policy objectives. Her responsibilities will also include building and maintaining strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to monitor, evaluate, and address policy challenges, as well as scanning future trends to recommend forward-looking strategies that support the Territory’s long-term development.

Permanent Secretary in the Premier's Office, Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt Igwe, stated that she was very pleased to have Mrs. Donovan-Stevens as a member of the dynamic team of professionals at the Premier's Office. “Her extensive public service experience as well as her policy, management and research skills have already proven to be a tremendous asset to the Premier's Office in the area of governance reform. As the Head of the Strategy and Policy Development Unit, she continues to provide valuable support to the ongoing monitoring of the governance reform action plan.”

Mrs. Donovan Stevens holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University, a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Education and Broadcast Journalism from Columbia College Chicago, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Studies from Manchester Metropolitan University. She is also a lecturer for the Chartered Management Institute and an accredited professional coach, with advanced qualifications in business management, public policy analysis, and psychotherapy.

Commenting on her appointment, Mrs. Donovan Stevens said: "Service is truly a privilege.  I am pleased to officially assume the post of Strategy and Policy Development Lead within the Premier's Office.  My primary objective is to advance the initiatives of the Ministry, focusing on establishing and operationalising policies and strategies that align with the National Sustainable Development Plan and the Governance Reform agenda.  As an ancestral Virgin Islander, I consider public service a privilege. I remain steadfast, with the help of God, to making thoughtful and impactful contributions to our clients and this Territory."

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains fully committed to the advancement of public officers and the Public Service.