Jamie Gaston

Jamie Gaston describes herself as an “introverted extrovert” someone who appreciates her quiet moments but also enjoys being involved, connecting with others, and embracing new experiences. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Jamie serves as a committee member for the Miss St. Croix Festival Queen Pageant. She is also an avid traveler and considers herself a foodie who enjoys discovering and experiencing good food. Most importantly, Jamie enjoys being a “momager,” supporting and attending her son’s extracurricular activities and cheering him on every step of the way. Professionally, Jamie serves as a Federal Grant Manager at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), where she provides administrative oversight of the federal grants that pass through the office and are awarded to various government agencies. Her unit plays an important role in providing guidance and support to agencies throughout the entire grant life cycle, helping to ensure that federal awards are effectively managed and administered. In addition to her federal grant management responsibilities, Jamie oversees the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant award, which encompasses more than 100 projects territory wide. One of the things Jamie enjoys most about working at OMB is the constant opportunity to learn. She describes OMB as a place where “it’s never a dull day,” because there is always something new to discover. As an agency with oversight of numerous government agencies, OMB provides employees with a unique opportunity to gain insight into the functions and responsibilities of different agencies. For Jamie, this exposure has allowed her to develop a broader perspective and a greater understanding of how the various parts of government work together to serve the territory. Jamie’s career journey began in 2014 when she started working as an Eligibility Specialist with the Department of Health. Through dedication and hard work, she progressed into leadership roles, first being promoted to Middle Manager and later to Program Director. After leaving the Department of Health, Jamie took what she describes as a “small detour” while trying to determine her next steps and purpose. That period of reflection ultimately helped her realize that grant management was where she wanted to continue building her career. She began searching for opportunities that would allow her to remain in the grant management field, which eventually led her to OMB, where she joined the team in 2023. Looking toward the future, Jamie sees herself continuing her journey at OMB and remaining in the grant management field. She enjoys the work she does and takes pride in leading her team through the many responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges that come their way. Her team consists of seven individuals, with four members based in St. Thomas and three in St. Croix. Jamie is motivated by the role she plays within OMB, the support she receives from her team, and the knowledge that their collective efforts contribute to the success of their unit and the broader goals of the agency. Among Jamie’s proudest personal accomplishments is earning a $10,000 scholarship during her time competing for Miss Virgin Islands America. The scholarship helped her pay for the final years of her education and allowed her to graduate from the University of the Virgin Islands without student loans. This achievement remains a source of great pride for Jamie and reflects her determination and commitment to pursuing her educational goals. Professionally, one of Jamie’s most meaningful accomplishments was being selected as the 2025 Employee of the Year for the St. Croix District at OMB. The recognition was particularly special because she had been with the agency for only one year at the time. Being selected was an unexpected and rewarding experience that made Jamie feel truly appreciated for her contributions and dedication to the organization. When she is not managing federal grants or leading her team, Jamie enjoys exploring her creative side through do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Pinterest is her go to source for inspiration, where she finds ideas for new projects and creative things to make. Her love of travel and food also gives her plenty to look forward to, and if she won an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, Jamie would choose Paris, France. She would love the opportunity to visit the Eiffel Tower, admire the city's architecture, experience its culture and traditions, and, of course, indulge in the delicious food. For anyone beginning a career in grant management, Jamie offers practical advice based on her own experience. She describes the environment as fast paced, with competing priorities often arising at the same time. Her advice is to take things one day at a time and not allow the workload to become overwhelming. She encourages others to create a “To-Do” list and prioritize tasks based on urgency. By staying organized, focusing on what needs to be accomplished first, and taking each day as it comes, Jamie believes individuals can successfully navigate the demands of the role. Through her journey, Jamie Gaston has demonstrated the value of perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. From beginning her career in the Department of Health to finding her way back to the grant management field and becoming an integral part of OMB, Jamie continues to grow professionally while making a meaningful contribution to the work of the agency. Her commitment to her team, her passion for learning, and her dedication to public service are just a few of the qualities that make Jamie a valued member of the OMB family.