To assist the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority in its mandate to aid the Government of the Virgin Islands in its duties to develop the economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Kirk Callwood joined the VIEDA as Associate Managing Director, Economic Development, at the VI Economic Development Commission, on June 20, 2025.
Mr. Callwood will work from the VIEDA office on St. Thomas, USVI. The VIEDC offers tax incentives and economic development benefits to eligible businesses in exchange for their creation of job opportunities for USVI residents and the generation of tax revenues in the Territory.
As Associate Managing Director, Economic Development, at the VIEDC, Mr. Callwood will be responsible for overseeing and driving the success of VIEDC Program by managing both the Applications and Compliance Divisions. The Applications division is the first point of contact by a business seeking to apply for economic development benefits; and the Compliance division monitors beneficiaries (or businesses participating in the VIEDC Program) to ensure they comply with the terms and conditions of their Certificate of Benefits – which is their contract with the Government of the Virgin Islands – along with other legal requirements. He will also assist in ensuring seamless integration between the two divisions under the VIEDC.
Mr. Callwood will also be responsible for ensuring the beneficiaries of the VIEDC Program comply with federal and local laws, regulations, and standard operating procedures while minimizing legal risks by understanding current and proposed legislation, enforcing regulations, recommending new procedures, and complying with legal requirements.
“I am honored to join the dedicated team at VIEDA at such an important time for the Territory’s economic future. The Economic Development Commission program is vital for attracting investment, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable growth,” said Kirk Callwood, Associate Managing Director, Economic Development. “I look forward to working with stakeholders and colleagues to create value for beneficiaries in the program, strengthen its impact, and ensure it continues delivering measurable benefits for the people of the Virgin Islands,” added Mr. Callwood.
Prior to joining the VIEDA, Mr. Callwood served as Principal Consultant with Alpha Management, LLC, a consulting practice specializing in strategic financial advisory services, fractional leadership, operational excellence, organizational development, compliance, performance management, and economic development initiatives. He has over 25 years of
experience across government, commercial banking, and the private sector and has held key leadership positions including Commissioner of Finance for the Government of the Virgin Islands, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President at Merchants Commercial Bank, and Co-CEO Chief Internal Operating Officer of International Capital & Management Company or ICMC.
Mr. Callwood holds a Master of Business Administration from Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia; a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia; and completed senior leadership training at the Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia, PA. He is also a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) and a Certified Change Management Practitioner, with additional training in Lean Six Sigma and credit analysis.
VIEDA welcomes Mr. Callwood – and his contributions – as one of the newest members of the VIEDA team.
