The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the U.S. Virgin Islands was established under the Virgin Islands Code, specifically authorized by Title 3, Chapter 1, Section 4, and further outlined in 2 V.I.C. § 22. This legislation created the Office within the Office of the Governor and empowers the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Legislature, to appoint a Director and Deputy Director. The statute charges the Director with assisting the Governor in the preparation and explanation of the government’s comprehensive financial plan, coordinating departmental goals and objectives, and developing data systems for effective policy decision-making. It also mandates the Director to ensure that the policy decisions and budget determinations of both the Governor and Legislature are implemented efficiently and in alignment with sound management principles.

The Office of Management and Budget ’s mission is to serve as the territory’s primary source of credible, unbiased financial information and management assistance for all departments and agencies. The office plays a central role in improving public services, enhancing government performance, and providing transparent budget and fiscal analysis tools. It also ensures that federal grants, revenues, and expenditures are properly managed, supporting the financial stability of the Virgin Islands. Through oversight, technical guidance, and coordination, the Office of Management and Budget promotes efficiency, accountability, and long-term fiscal sustainability across the executive branch of the Government of the Virgin Islands.

Over the years, the Office of Management and Budget has been led by a number of distinguished public servants. Jenifer O’Neal was appointed by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. on February 1, 2019, bringing over 25 years of experience in finance and policy. She served as Director for nearly six years before stepping down in June 2024. Julio A. Rhymer Sr., who was reappointed as OMB Director in September 2024, previously served in 2018 and has more than three decades of financial management experience, including leadership roles at the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority and the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority. Earlier leaders include Jose George, who directed the office from 1987 to 1995, and Ira Mills, who served from 1999 to 2006. Each Director has contributed to strengthening the territory’s fiscal oversight, budgeting systems, and performance management practices.

The Office of Management and Budget operates under the direction of the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, who provides executive leadership for the territory. The current Governor, Albert Bryan Jr., assumed office on January 7, 2019, becoming the ninth elected Governor of the Virgin Islands. His administration has focused on rebuilding infrastructure, improving government performance, and stabilizing the financial outlook of the territory. In past administrations, notable leaders such as Governor Alexander Anthony Farrelly (1987–1995) worked closely with the Office of Management and Budget to address critical issues like housing, education, and disaster recovery. These partnerships between the Office of the Governor and the Office of Management and Budget continue to shape the financial and operational foundation of the Virgin Islands government, ensuring responsible management of public resources for the benefit of all residents.