Ashley Bryan Resigns as WAPA's COO for Electricity; Noel Hodge Considered as Successor

Bryan submits notice of intent to resign as WAPA faces ongoing financial and operational challenges; CEO Karl Knight confirms Hodge, director of water distribution, is a potential candidate for the role, though no final decision has been made.

The V.I. Water and Power Authority (WAPA) has confirmed to the Consortium that Ashley Bryan, its chief operating officer for electricity, has submitted her intention to resign. Bryan, who previously served as interim CEO following Andrew Smith’s departure, informed current CEO Karl Knight of her decision on Friday.

During a brief interview, Knight clarified to the Consortium that while Bryan has not officially resigned, she has submitted notice of her intent to vacate the position. The Consortium learned that she provided the authority with two weeks' notice. While WAPA is considering Noel Hodge, the current director of water distribution, as a potential replacement for Bryan, Knight stressed that no final decision has been made. “He’s put as a potential person as he’s currently the chief operating officer of the water division. But that’s not something that we’ve decided,” Knight stated. Hodge’s candidacy for the role has sparked discussions, with some within the authority expressing concern about his readiness for the position.