Averil Elisha George was born on St. Croix. Averil Elisha George’s educational journey includes attending Juanita Gardine Elementary School, Elena Christian Junior High School, and graduating from the St. Croix Central High School in 1989 (Go CARIBS). In her post-secondary educational pursuit, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from the University of the Virgin Islands and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix. Other professional and career related certifications include becoming a Certified Public Manager in August 2018 via the University of the Virgin Islands, as well as a Certified Wellness Program Coordinator.

Ms. George’s journey from her upbringing in St. Croix to her new role as Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and diverse skill set. With a strong educational foundation, she honed her expertise in finance, management, and human resources. Her practical on-the-job managerial experiences has spanned decades, and she has used these opportunities to pay it forward and mentor other USVI junior staffers along the way.

Ms. George’s career trajectory reflects her adaptability and commitment to public service. From her roles at Hovensa LLC and Pinnacle Services, LLC to her transition into government positions, she has demonstrated a willingness to tackle challenges head-on. She has served as Assistant Director of the Division of Personnel, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Labor, and HR Director at the Department of Public Works until later promoted to Assistant Commissioner. This allowed her to broaden her perception of Public Sector vs. Private Sector Labor Relations, Employee professional development, and Workforce Upskilling & Re-training. The positions she held highlighted her versatility and leadership capabilities. Recognizing her Managerial “best practices” approach, she was then tapped to be Commissioner of the Department of Human Services in October 2023.

In her current role as Commissioner of the Department of Human Services, Ms. George is focused on driving positive change and improving the lives of Virgin Islanders. Ms. George’s leadership style is characterized by transparency, integrity, and inclusivity. This resonates with her commitment to “Community First”. She recognizes the weight of her responsibilities and the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful outcomes.