Gregory Francis will represent the Office of the Governor on St. Croix as the island’s new administrator.
Gov. Charles Turnbull appointed Francis, currently the director of the Office of Veterans Affairs, on Thursday to succeed former administrator Rupert Ross, who retired late last year. Francis will take over the position on Feb. 17.
Francis, 49, was born on St. Croix and graduated from Central High School in 1969. He is currently a senior at the University of the Virgin Islands.
Francis entered the U.S. Army in 1972 and ended active duty in May 1975. He joined the V.I. National Guard the next month. During his tenure in VING, he moved up the ranks to Chief Warrant Officer Four. Francis retired from military service in 1999 After 27 years.
He is married to the former Cheryl Barnes and is the father of two daughters.
