Gov. Kenneth Mapp on Thursday appointed Anita Roberts as commissioner of the Department of Human Services to replace Vivian Ebbese-Fludd, who he relieved of her duties effective 5 p.m. Friday.
Mapp met with Ebbese-Fludd and personally thanked her for her service to the people of the Virgin Islands, according to a news release Thursday announcing the change. The release did not offer any reason for the governor’s action.
Roberts’ appointment will be effective Monday. She is currently deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, with oversight of the Federal Grants Management Unit.
Roberts holds a doctorate in education from Walden University, graduated summa cum laude with a master’s degree in behavioral organization from Kaplan University and received her bachelor of arts in criminal justice from Northeastern University in Boston. According to the news release, "As a business owner and consultant, Roberts has developed critical leadership skills with a focus on financial and resource management for private, public and nonprofit entities."
As deputy director of OMB, Roberts manages a team that oversees all federal grant spending, reporting and auditing requirements on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands.
“Because the Department of Human Services manages over 74 federal grant programs, I have asked Dr. Roberts to take on the leadership responsibilities of this critical department at this time.” Mapp said.
Roberts spent 15 years teaching elementary, junior high and college at both undergraduate and graduate levels. She is a current member of the National People Humanitarian Society and works to mentor young talent through positive development and inspirational motivation.
