Executive Director David Mapp Sr., after more than three decades of service to VIPA in a variety of positions, announced that on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, he will retire from the semi-autonomous agency that owns and manages the two airports and the majority of the public seaports in the United States Virgin Islands.
This notice gives the VIPA Board of Directors time to search for new leadership to carry forth the vision to grow visitor arrivals, facilitated by improved and technologically advanced aviation and marine facilities, while serving the needs of Virgin Islanders and visitors to the territory.
Mapp, whose career with VIPA began on Oct. 1, 1986, said: “During the past 32 years, I have seen significantly more highs than lows, as the agency experienced growth in both the aviation and marine operations, economic up[turns] and downturns, changes in the Port’s vision to align with changes in administrations, all with the intent to make the territory’s economic gateway better for visitors and residents alike.”
Among his many accomplishments, he led VIPA’s efforts to expand and extend the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport terminal building and its runway on St. Croix, led the creation of the authority’s police force, and lobbied successfully for federal funding to improve the Gordon A. Finch Molasses Pier on the south shore of St. Croix.
Leading up to his retirement, Mapp has committed his “full and earnest efforts” to complete the airport terminal designs on St. Croix and St. Thomas, and to help preside over continued increases in new and expanded air service to the territory as well as additional cruise calls, particularly to St. Croix.
“I deeply appreciate the trust that each of you has placed in me and see nothing but upswing for the authority in the coming years. Thank you for having given me the opportunity of a lifetime,” Mapp told the board.