Julio Rhymer Sr. currently serves as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the Government of the Virgin Islands, a role in which he continues to demonstrate steadfast leadership, fiscal discipline, and a commitment to efficient governance. His career reflects a deep dedication to strengthening the territory’s financial systems and advancing government accountability.
Before returning to OMB, Rhymer served as Chief Financial Officer at the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) from 2014 to 2018. Under his financial stewardship, WAPA achieved improved fiscal stability and navigated significant recovery efforts following the devastating 2017 hurricanes. His leadership during this period was instrumental in stabilizing the utility and setting the foundation for long-term recovery.
Rhymer’s expertise and credibility also played a key role in securing billions of dollars in federal recovery funds for the Virgin Islands. His testimony before Congress and advocacy for the territory’s financial needs helped ensure that critical resources were allocated for rebuilding infrastructure, including energy and transportation systems.
Upon his reappointment as OMB Director in 2024 under the Bryan Administration, Rhymer set forth an ambitious vision to rebuild the agency’s internal capacity and enhance operational efficiency. Noting that OMB had more than 30 vacancies out of 52 positions, he made it a priority to restore staffing, modernize processes, and strengthen institutional knowledge. His leadership emphasizes accountability, transparency, and performance-based management, aligning OMB’s functions with best practices in public financial administration.
In addition to his government service, Rhymer has contributed significantly to the territory’s broader financial and infrastructure development through his participation on various boards, including the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, Public Finance Authority, and Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC). These roles underscore his influence across key sectors that drive economic stability and growth.
Director Rhymer’s career embodies a commitment to sound financial stewardship and effective governance, ensuring that the Office of Management and Budget continues to serve as a cornerstone of fiscal responsibility and strategic planning within the Virgin Islands Government.