Governor Bryan Nominates DLCA Acting Commissioner H. Nathalie Hodge as DLCA Commissioner

Harriet Nathalie HodgeCOMMISSIONER H. NATHALIE HODGE
On February 14, 2024, Harriet Nathalie Hodge was officially confirmed as Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA), following her nomination by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. on August 6, 2023. Known professionally by her middle name, Nathalie, Commissioner Hodge is a devoted public servant with over 24 years of experience at the DLCA. Her extensive career at the department began with the oversight of an FDA Grant and has included numerous leadership roles—most recently serving as Assistant Commissioner prior to her appointment.

Throughout her tenure, Commissioner Hodge has played a critical role in shaping the agency’s policies and infrastructure. Her contributions include spearheading the development of DLCA’s online systems, advising on human resources and grievance matters, drafting statutory amendments, and managing internal systems to improve efficiency. She has also overseen a wide range of core departmental functions, including business operations, budgeting, administration, and management, in addition to her oversight of eight professional boards and commissions.

Vision and Goals
Commissioner Hodge is committed to continuing the work of her predecessors, aligning with the goals of the Bryan/Roach administration, and serving the people of the United States Virgin Islands with dedication and integrity. She has set forth a clear vision to modernize and strengthen the DLCA’s role in empowering Virgin Islands consumers and businesses with strategic goals including:

  • Modernization of Services: Continue expanding the department’s digital infrastructure to provide faster, more transparent, and user-friendly services for both consumers and licensees.
  • Regulatory Excellence: Streamlining regulatory processes to reduce bureaucracy while maintaining robust consumer protections.
  • Public Engagement: Increasing outreach and education to ensure residents and business owners are well-informed about their rights, responsibilities, and available services.
  • Workforce Development: Invest in staff training and cross-departmental collaboration to ensure the DLCA team is equipped to deliver high-quality public service.
  • Employee Engagement: Encouraging open communication and collaboration to boost employee morale and productivity, ensuring that the Department operates efficiently and effectively in serving the community.
  • Partnerships and Innovation: Foster collaboration with local and federal partners to identify best practices and implement innovative solutions that improve operations and outcomes.

Commissioner Hodge is committed to transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in government. Her leadership is guided by the principle that effective regulation and consumer protection are essential to a thriving economy and public trust. A proud graduate of St. Joseph High School on St. Croix, Commissioner Hodge holds a Bachelor’s degree from Point Park University and a Master’s degree in Management, with a concentration in Human Resources and Contract Management, from Florida Institute of Technology.