Eric Sonnier Outlines Vision for RTPark as Incoming Executive Director

Eric Sonnier will officially step into the role of UVI Research and Technology Park (RTPark) executive director on Sept. 1, succeeding Peter H. Chapman, who has served for the last six years.

Speaking on what he’s most proud of as he prepares to hand the baton to Sonnier, Chapman highlighted, “When I arrived six years ago, the organization had roughly 50 percent fewer affiliated companies and not much in terms of economic development programming or activities. Today, we have nearly 100 affiliated companies (not just tax beneficiaries, but also promising start-ups led by Virgin Islanders), a comprehensive approach to strengthening the regional economy, and a healthy balance sheet.”

“The RTPark was also recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) to be among the highest-performing economic development organizations in the Americas, and our key performance indicators underscore our amazing progress,” he added.

Looking ahead, Sonnier expressed his desire to continue broadening the scope of the RTPark’s mission, with a strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and workforce development. He envisions the organization playing a pivotal role in cultivating a tech-savvy workforce that can meet the demands of the modern economy.

“If we want to build a sustainable future for the Virgin Islands, we need to start with our youth,” Sonnier said. “By introducing STEM education early, through programs like ‘VI STEM Kids,’ we can spark an interest in technology and create a pipeline of local talent that will be crucial for our economic development.” Sonnier notes that these clubs and programs are engaging and fun and make STEM accessible to all students, regardless of their background.

Elaborating on the opportunities available for workforce development, Sonnier discussed the upcoming “Professional Pathways Program,” which would offer UVI students internships with RTPark clients and training in soft skills that are critical for career success. “The goal is to create a seamless transition from education to employment,” Sonnier said. “By working closely with our clients, we can ensure that our students are not only well-prepared but also have direct access to job opportunities right here in the Virgin Islands. I personally went through programs like this, and they were extremely helpful to my career.”

Speaking on the importance of business attraction to the RTPark’s mission, Sonnier noted he intends to focus on businesses in rapidly growing industries, like the cloud computing and cloud migration sectors, where remote work can easily be set up and conducted in the territory. By aligning the RTPark’s business attraction efforts with these trends, Sonnier hopes to create more job opportunities for Virgin Islanders.

“The Virgin Islands is a hidden gem. My goal is to make sure that more companies see the value in setting up operations here, and that we have a workforce ready to meet their needs,” he said. He also added that one of the unique features of the RTPark is that it does not receive government funding but rather receives its primary source of revenue from the clients/businesses it attracts to the territory.

As Sonnier prepares to take on his new role, he is prioritizing the RTPark’s relationship with UVI and plans to work closely with UVI’s new president, Safiya George. With modern facilities like the medical building on St. Thomas and the medical simulation center on St. Croix, Sonnier sees opportunities for collaboration that could bring strong companies and jobs to the territory.

“There’s a lot of room for innovation and growth,” Sonnier said. “These new facilities are not just buildings; they’re spaces that can be used to teach, lean, train, build and grow. Working together, we can create a hub of innovation that attracts businesses and talent to the Virgin Islands.”

“I am thrilled to officially take on the role of Executive Director at RTPark,” Sonnier said. “I look forward to collaborating with our talented team and community to build on our successes and propel our mission forward. Together, we will continue to drive innovation and growth, making a lasting impact on our economy.”