Biography

Teri Helenese has dedicated her life to fostering a thriving economy and advancing the well-being of the U.S. Virgin Islands community. Her career reflects a deep commitment to purpose-driven leadership and continuous improvement. Currently, she serves as the Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr., based in Washington, D.C.

Teri works tirelessly to bridge economic gaps and create opportunities for the Virgin Islands, advocating for advancements in areas such as Rum Cover-Over, technology, education, energy, health, tourism, US shipbuilding, tariff exemptions and broader policy priorities.

Teri’s leadership and advocacy have resulted in significant wins and $1 billion in Rum Cover-Over funding for the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The historic passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” in the United States Senate, a sweeping piece of legislation that includes two major victories for the people of the Virgin Islands: the permanent extension of the rum cover-over at $13.25 per proof gallon, and the permanent renewal and enhancement of Opportunity Zones.

For the first time in history, the rum cover-over has been made permanent beginning on December 31, 2025. This provision, often referred to as the economic lifeblood of the Virgin Islands, funds the GERS pension system, vital public services, supports infrastructure, stabilizes the Territory’s budget, and secures thousands of jobs and retirement checks. The Virgin Islands can now plan, invest, and build with greater confidence and stability.

These wins reflect years of Teri’s persistent advocacy and tireless bipartisan relationship-building in Congress, on behalf of Virgin Islanders.

In April 2025, Teri collaborated with Tropical Shipping CEO Tim Martin, Senior Director of Community and Government Relations Jennifer Nugent-Hill, the White House, and the U.S. Trade Representative to secure an exemption for Tropical Shipping and other carriers from $1 million in port fee tariffs. Doing so helped to protect local jobs and ensured the company could continue operating in the Virgin Islands.

Teri has been a pioneer in technology and education. She spearheaded NASA’s entry in the U.S. Virgin Islands, inspiring students and connecting them with the space agency to promote its mission and enhance STEM literacy.

She also established a joint initiative between Google and the USVI Government to ensure internet users and the elderly population in the Territory could access accurate, locally relevant information about COVID-19. This collaboration prioritized health and safety while preserving privacy and harnessing technological innovation for the benefit of Virgin Islanders.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Teri demonstrated exceptional vision in bridging sports and tourism to drive economic and social revitalization. In 2019, she orchestrated a historic 5-day tour and exhibition game on St. Croix, featuring Major League Soccer team D.C. United against the Bermuda national team.

Teri secured private sector funding for this event, which brought a $500,000 boost to the local economy that week as the community recovered from hurricanes Irma and Maria. This initiative achieved full occupancy for local accommodations, uplifted morale, and strengthened community resilience.

It also fostered conversations on improved health, nutrition and fitness, addressing prevalent health concerns like diabetes and hypertension in the Territory.

Teri preserved the Virgin Islands’ cultural heritage by obtaining the USVI Madras U.S. Copyright Registration: VA-2-260-615. Recognized on January 21, 2021, this vibrant textile embodies the archipelago’s rich traditions and history.

Teri’s professional experience is as impressive as her accomplishments. She earned her educational degrees at Florida Memorial College, home to the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management.

Her career began with roles at Booz Allen Hamilton, and renowned “Big Four” firms, including Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she played a pivotal role in Congressionally mandated transformations.

Among her achievements, Teri contributed to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program, establishing regulations and technological frameworks for biometric security measures. To date, the program has enrolled over 14 million individuals, safeguarding maritime workers and the nation’s ports.

Her dedication to national security stems from her tenure at Deloitte during the Department of Homeland Security’s formation after 9/11. Witnessing the agency’s evolution, Teri developed a passion for combining people, process, technology, and innovation to make the United States and its territories safer.

As the Director of Human Resources at Diageo USVI, Teri utilized those people, process, and technology leadership skills to stand up the HR business platform at the Captain Morgan Rum Distillery on St. Croix, where she hired and trained 97% Virgin Islanders, and instituted a pay for performance bonus for management and hourly employees.

On a personal note, Teri, born and raised on St. Croix, is married to her husband, Alexander DeAbreu, also born and raised on St. Croix, and they share a deep bond rooted in the Virgin Islands, initiated decades ago by The Honorable Chief Judge Robert Anthony Molloy who introduced them in Washington, DC.

Together, they have two accomplished daughters. Gabrielle, a Virginia Tech University honors graduate, is a top performer at a premier global technology company, while Crystal is pursuing a degree in computer science at the George Washington University.