Eugene Farrell For Senate
Dedicated Public Servant
A LIFE OF PUBLIC SERVICE
Eugene D. Farrell’s philosophy is accountability, integrity, and ethical governance. Relying on his extensive background in public service, including over 35 years of military service and significant leadership roles within the local government, Farrell advocates for a legislative process characterized by honesty and transparency. His dedication to ethical governance involves creating rigorous anti-corruption measures, ensuring that all government actions are subject to public scrutiny, and fostering an environment where public officials are held to the highest standards.
LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY
Eugene has a proven track record of leadership and advocacy. Throughout his career, he has worked tirelessly to address the needs of the community and promote positive change. His extensive experience uniquely qualifies him to serve the people of the US Virgin Islands.
About Me
Eugene D. Farrell's narrative is of resilience, service, and a deep connection to his community. Born and raised in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, to parents who migrated from the Eastern Caribbean in pursuit of better opportunities, Eugene understands firsthand the struggles and aspirations of his fellow Virgin Islanders.
Growing up in the Savan and later Kirwan Terrace/Lindberg Bay communities, Eugene was immersed in a diverse environment where he learned to appreciate the challenges and interests of people from all walks of life. Raised by a strict mother, he developed a strong sense of discipline and responsibility early on.
After completing his K-12 education, Eugene aspired to attend college on an athletic scholarship but faced disappointment when it didn't materialize. Undeterred, he enlisted in the Active Duty Military, serving six years in the Army. His dedication and ability to get the job done earned him the nickname "Sergeant Take Over."
Transitioning to the Virgin Islands National Guard (VING), Eugene continued his commitment to service, rising through the ranks to become Command Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank. Simultaneously, he pursued a career in the private sector while remaining deeply involved in public service, serving as a firefighter, Fire Corporal, Deputy Fire Chief, and eventually, Fire Service Director under the Mapp Potter Administration.
Eugene's leadership and expertise were further recognized when he was appointed Senior Policy Advisor for Justice, Law Enforcement, Security, and Emergency Operations (JLESEO) and later Chief of Staff during the devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. His unwavering dedication to his community was evident as he navigated the challenges of these crises with resilience and determination.
After distinguished public service, Eugene returned to his passion for teaching at the Saints Peter and Paul School. He leveraged his extensive military experience as Commandant of the esteemed 210th Regional Training Institute and as a leadership instructor in the Senior ROTC program at the University of the Virgin Islands to promote his alma mater. His unique expertise led the Jaguar teams to succeed in Volleyball, Moot Court, and Entrepreneurial competitions.
Eugene is deeply committed to the transformative power of education, believing that knowledge is key to fostering a thriving and stable community.
Eugene D. Farrell’s journey is a testament to his lifelong dedication to service, leadership, and the conviction that a brighter future for all Virgin Islanders is built through empowering others with education and opportunity.
Education
Degree: Master of Public Admin
University of the Virgin Islands
A Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA) is a graduate-level program that prepared me for the leadership roles as the Fire Service Director, Senior Policy Advisor and finally the Governor's Chief of staff. This degree focused on the management and implementation of public policies, the administration of government programs, and the development of effective strategies for public sector challenges.
Degree BA Marketing
University of the Virgin Islands
A Bachelor's degree (BA) in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing provided me with a solid foundation in business principles while focusing on the strategic aspects of marketing. This degree prepared me for a career by equipping me with the knowledge and skills to understand consumer behavior, develop marketing strategies, and effectively promote products and services.
Degree AA Managment
University of the Virgin Islands
The Associate of Arts (AA) in Management from provided me with foundational knowledge in business principles, including management practices, organizational behavior, and basic accounting and finance. It prepared me for entry-level management roles in fire administration and related fields. It equipped me with skills in leadership, decision-making, and effective communication, essential for managing teams and operations in various organizational settings.
Economic Development Authority
As a member of the US Virgin Islands Board of Directors of the state's Economic Development Authority, I played a key role in shaping the economic future of our territory. My responsibilities included setting the strategic direction for the Authority, ensuring that our policies and programs supported sustainable economic growth, job creation, and the development of local businesses. I worked to allocate resources effectively, overseeing investments in critical infrastructure and business development initiatives.I collaborated with various stakeholders—public, private, and governmental—to foster partnerships that could drive our economic goals forward. I also ensured that the Authority remained transparent and accountable in its operations, adhering to legal and regulatory standards while balancing the needs of businesses and the local community. Throughout my tenure, I focused on evaluating the effectiveness of our economic programs to ensure they were delivering measurable benefits for the territory, such as increased employment opportunities and business investments.
National Network for Safe Communities Virgin Islands Gun Violence Initiative (VIGVI)
As the creator and first program director of the US Virgin Islands National Network for Safe Communities Strategy, I was responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive approach to improving public safety and reducing violence in our communities. My role involved bringing together law enforcement, community leaders, and social service providers to collaborate on strategies that focused on crime prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation. I spearheaded efforts to foster trust between law enforcement and the community, ensuring that the strategy was community-driven and responsive to local needs. I was also responsible for developing policies and programs that addressed the root causes of violence, such as unemployment, education gaps, and social inequality, while advocating for restorative justice practices. Throughout my tenure, I focused on creating sustainable partnerships that would continue to support safer communities long after the program was established.
Executive Branch Service
THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, GOVERNMENT OF THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS Chief of staff: September 2017–2019
I assisted the Governor in developing and maintaining a focused policy agenda. I managed daily government operations by setting priorities and ensuring the stated objectives were met. I advised cabinet members and agency heads and reinforced their commitment to achieving the Governor's stated strategy.
Key Accomplishments:
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Assisted the Governor in achieving several of his Hurricane recovery goals
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Kept up-to-date on local, national, and international policies and trends that affect government operations and shape stakeholders' views.
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A founding member of the Hurricane Recovery and Resiliency Taskforce
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Fostered an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization
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Instrumental in moving several recovery initiatives, such as Frenchman's Reef and Yacht Haven Grande projects
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Member of the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority Board of Commissioners
Senior Policy Advisor: August 2015 – September 2017
I served as the Sr. Advisor to the Governor on Justice, Law enforcement, Emergency Operations, and Security Cluster. Inspired and fostered team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust. Facilitated cooperation and motivated cluster members to accomplish group goals. In particular, I provided leadership, daily management, oversight, and coordination of the Gun Violence Prevention strategy, National Network for Safe Communities Project.
Key Accomplishments:
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Implemented the NNSC Gun Violence strategy in the USVI
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Led the U.S. Virgin Islands Parole System Improvement Plan initiative
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Managed the Juvenile Criminal Justice Policy Reform Project strategy
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Assisted the VIPD and BOC in meeting their consent decree goals
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Finalized the draft Fire-Ems merger proposal
VIRGIN ISLANDS FIRE SERVICE Director Designee: January 2015 – August 2015
I served as the principal advisor to the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands on all fire-related matters. I served as the Chief Executive of the Virgin Islands Fire Service. I have provided leadership and direction to a team of (233) fire and administrative personnel. Prepared and managed the annual budget. Submitted recommendations for new laws or changes to current legislation. Enforced the provisions of the Territorial Fire Prevention Code and rules and regulations that aid in preventing fires. I managed the operations of the Virgin Islands Fire Service with the assistance of the district Fire Chiefs.
Key Accomplishments:
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Revised Rules and Regulations
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Improved vehicle maintenance program
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Introduced the Firefighter I & II Program at UVI Cell
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Upgrade of Fire Suppression and Prevention Job Descriptions
Military Service
US Army/ VI National Guard
Virgin Islands National Guard Commandant 210th Regional Training Institute, June 2016 – June 2019
As the Commandant of the Virgin Islands National Guard's 210th Regional Training Institute, I was responsible for overseeing the training and development of military personnel, ensuring they were prepared to meet the operational needs of the National Guard. I managed and directed all training programs, including leadership development and tactical instruction, aimed at building a highly skilled and capable force.
My role included supervising staff, developing curriculum, and ensuring that training met the standards of the U.S. Army. I worked to create an environment where soldiers could excel, both in their professional military education and their overall readiness to serve the territory and the nation. I also fostered partnerships with other training institutions and military organizations to enhance the quality and breadth of our programs. Throughout my tenure, I was committed to strengthening the leadership pipeline and ensuring that our soldiers were equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in battle.
Key Accomplishments:
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Completed the second accreditation with a 90% overall rating
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Trained over 200 students in a single training year
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Became the primary water purification school for reserves and national guard Soldiers in the US Army.
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increased full-time staff allotment
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Soldiers maintained 95% readiness
Virgin Islands National Guard Battalion Command Sergeant Major and G3 Sergeant Major, October 2012 – January 2015
I served as the senior enlisted advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff Operations (G3). Assisted with the development, coordination, and implementation of joint contingency plans for domestic emergencies, civil disturbances, natural disasters, and state and federal contingency operations. Implemented and monitored programs such as Homeland Defense/ Security, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) response anti-terrorism/ Force Protection (AT/FP) program, and the Critical Infrastructure Protection Program. Interpreted, evaluated, and implemented current laws regulations, guidance, and policies from the Department of Defense, and other federal, state, and local agencies about Defense Support to Civilian Authorities (DSCA). I supervised 15 enlisted personnel assigned to the G3 Branch
Key Accomplishments:
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Authored numerous high-profile contingency plans and operation orders
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Received an honorable mention at the Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) Executive Seminar 2013
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Coordinated VI National Guard G3 training exercises
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Coordinated 23rd CST emergency responses to VI Government Authorities
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Facilitated numerous training seminars and courses which led to organizational operations improvement
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Served as the 786th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion's Command Sergeant Major
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Received Honorable Mention for the performance of the 786th CSSB during Operation Forward Guardian I and II for deployment efforts
UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS/ (AGR) Senior Military Science Instructor, 2009 – 2012
Key Accomplishments:
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I Served as the primary Military Science Instructor on the St. Thomas Campus.
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I developed and implemented lesson plans and worked cooperatively with various entities.
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I prepared student evaluations and attendance records as well as student confidential reports. I maintained equipment and classroom environments, which were conducive to learning.
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I assisted in the preparation of the program budget. Participated in student placement activities, and attended appropriate meetings and in-service workshops. Key Accomplishments:
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Established the UVI Senior ROTC Program on the St. Thomas Campus in 2009
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Coordinated and executed the marketing of the ROTC program
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Increased enrollment by 400% in the fall 2009 and 2010 semesters
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Instituted the only Battalion force on force training in 2010
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Graduated First commissioned officers on the St. Thomas campus in 2012
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Recruited 100-plus High school seniors into the Senior ROTC Program
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Empowering Communities
Community involvement is critical to meeting the needs of a community because “they know what they need!” Empowering citizens to have a direct say in legislative processes and decision-making helps them understand the legislative process, government operations, and civic responsibilities, leading to a more informed electorate. This empowerment is transformative. Eugene D. Farrell prioritizes creating avenues for citizen influence through regular public consultations, town hall meetings, and inclusive forums.
