Susan Penn

Susan Penn brings over 30 years of government experience to Rittenhouse Consulting, with a distinguished career in fiscal management and federal grants compliance. A native of St. Thomas, she has held several senior-level positions within the Virgin Islands Government, including Chief Financial Officer, Director of Business & Administrative Services, and Fiscal Officer for the Department of Planning & Natural Resources. Susan’s deep expertise in federal grant policies, fiscal reporting, and regulatory compliance has earned her numerous commendations from federal grantor agencies for consistently meeting and exceeding GAAP standards.

Susan is highly regarded for her organizational skills, strong work ethic, and ability to support and communicate effectively with high-level government and federal officials. Among her accomplishments, she coordinated the development of a time distribution database system for tracking employee time allocations across federally funded projects—streamlining reporting and enabling accurate, timely drawdowns of federal funds. Her dedication to process improvement and fiscal accountability makes her a valuable asset to the Rittenhouse Consulting team.

Luis A. Sylvester

Luis Sylvester brings a multifaceted background in science, healthcare, and public policy to Rittenhouse Consulting. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Physics, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of the Virgin Islands and has completed 36 graduate credits in Polymer Science at Georgia Institute of Technology. With over two decades of professional experience, Luis has held key roles across government, healthcare, and private industry. He currently serves as a healthcare consultant with HealthEC and previously led the implementation and operations of the Medicaid Management Information Systems (MMIS) as Executive Account Manager for Molina Medicaid Solutions/DXC Technology.

Luis also served as Health Policy Advisor to former Governor John P. deJongh of the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he played a strategic role in shaping local and national health policy. Earlier in his career, he worked for over a decade in the Virgin Islands Legislature in roles including Chief of Staff. In the private sector, he worked as a Material Scientist for Pirelli Cable Corporation, overseeing compound development and environmental compliance. He is also the Treasurer of the Ocean Coastal Organization Virgin Islands (OCOVI), contributing to regional oceanic and environmental research through CARICOOS. Luis’s extensive experience in technical leadership and policy advisory makes him a valuable contributor to Rittenhouse’s interdisciplinary consulting work.

Kim Waymer McClure

As the Business Development and Market Capture Lead at Rittenhouse Consulting, Kim brings a unique blend of expertise in real estate, environmental science, and strategic marketing. A licensed real estate agent and seasoned development consultant, she plays a critical role in advancing our work in zoning, land use, and lease acquisition.

Kim holds a Bachelor of Science from Hampton University and a Master’s in Environmental Science from the University of South Carolina. Her academic background provides a strong analytical foundation that enhances the impact and precision of our projects. In addition, her extensive experience in pharmaceutical sales has sharpened her skills in strategic marketing and client engagement—making her an invaluable asset in driving the firm’s growth and market positioning.

Franka Baly

Franka Baly serves as the Technology SME (Subject Matter Expert) at Rittenhouse Consulting, where she leverages over 30 years of experience in enterprise application design and development. With a deep background in UX design, systems integration, and user-centered strategy, Franka plays a critical role in supporting the firm’s digital infrastructure and technical operations. Her focus is on ensuring seamless implementation, usability, and scalability across client-facing and internal platforms.

Throughout her career, Franka has contributed to the success of numerous large-scale projects in industries including technology, energy, and healthcare. She is known for her ability to translate complex business requirements into intuitive, high-performing digital solutions. Her expertise in cross-functional collaboration and problem-solving makes her an invaluable asset to the Rittenhouse team as the firm continues to expand its technical capabilities.

Roy A. Pemberton Jr. B.S. Mar. Sci./Env. Sci.; M.S. Fish. Sci.

Was born and raised on the island of St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands. His family has been on St. Croix since the late 1700’s. He is a graduate of Hampton University and The College of William & Mary in Virginia. Mr. Pemberton has over 30 years of experience working in the field of protected species at the State, Federal and Territorial level and is the former Director of The Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Division of Fish and Wildlife for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Nia Sylvester

Nia A. Sylvester is an environmental professional with a strong foundation in environmental compliance, water quality monitoring, and regulatory permitting. With hands-on experience in TPDES/NPDES inspections, environmental sampling, and technical reporting, she has developed a reputation for delivering accurate data analysis and ensuring adherence to environmental regulations.

Nia has contributed to environmental protection efforts through her work with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, where she conducted compliance inspections, monitored beach water quality, and prepared detailed regulatory reports. Her experience also includes environmental permitting support and site assessments in the private sector,
strengthening her ability to navigate both government and consulting environments.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Hampton University, where she graduated magna cum laude. Her academic and professional journey is complemented by specialized training in wastewater systems, industrial discharge permitting, and environmental site assessments.

Beyond her technical expertise, Nia demonstrates leadership through community engagement, research presentations, and service initiatives. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she actively contributes to service-driven programs and community outreach. She is passionate about advancing sustainable practices, protecting natural resources, and contributing to mission-driven environmental organizations. Nia Sylvester is the proud owner of The Makeup Bar, an inclusive cosmetic store dedicated to celebrating diversity and empowering confidence through cosmetics for all skin tones, identities, and beauty styles.

Learn more about what makes us unique

Doing business in the Virgin Islands should be a thoughtful endeavor. We pay attention to many aspects not considered by other firms in the region.

What makes us different from other consulting firms in the region.

At Rittenhouse Consulting, we are committed to building a future that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable for all. We work hand-in-hand with large-scale developers to ensure every project leaves a positive impact on marginalized communities. What truly sets us apart is not just our technical expertise, but the trusted relationships we’ve cultivated with key stakeholders and our deep understanding of the human side of development. We prioritize bringing disenfranchised voices to the table, creating opportunities for participation and a meaningful ripple effect that empowers local economies and families. Our decisions are always filtered through the lens of uplifting the voices and needs of the most vulnerable, transforming both landscapes and lives.

It’s our deep understanding of the human side of development—the socioeconomic impact of these projects on marginalized communities. We bring disenfranchised voices to the table, ensuring they have opportunities for participation in the development process, creating a meaningful ripple effect that empowers local economies and families.

What Makes Us Best

Government Expertise

Our deep government expertise ensures seamless navigation of local jurisdictions, compliance, and stakeholder engagement for successful large-scale project execution.

Executive Management

Our executive management expertise drives strategic leadership, stakeholder alignment, and high-level decision-making for successful large-scale project outcomes.

Environmental Expertise

Our environmental expertise ensures sustainable development by balancing project goals with responsible practices that protect local ecosystems and communities.

Regulatory Compliance

Our regulatory compliance expertise guarantees projects meet all legal standards, ensuring smooth approvals and minimizing risks in complex environments.

Alicia V. Barnes

Owner/Principal, Rittenhouse Consulting LLC

The firm was founded by Alicia V. Barnes, a passionate advocate for disenfranchised women and communities. Her journey, inspired by an early experience on Rittenhouse Street in Washington, DC, and her commitment to excellence, drives our mission. Alicia’s extensive background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Science & Environmental Studies from Hampton University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of the Virgin Islands. Her distinguished career includes roles as Director of the Virgin Islands Energy Office, Environmental Affairs Manager for the Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority, and Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. As a former member of the 33rd Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands, she chaired key committees and is recognized as a leading subject matter expert in land use development and permitting.

Alicia’s dedication to community engagement and empowerment has earned her numerous accolades, including “Outstanding Woman of St. Croix” and “Barrier Breaker in Government” by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Beyond her professional achievements, she is the Vice President of St. Croix Mission Outreach and the author of “Nuggets of Authenticity.”

Through Rittenhouse Consulting, Alicia V. Barnes is committed to fostering economic opportunities for the people of Saint Croix and the Virgin Islands, ensuring that development is a collaborative, community-focused endeavor. We specialize in bringing ambitious development projects to life while prioritizing community impact, working closely with developers to create opportunities for local service providers, minimizing environmental degradation, and carefully considering socioeconomic implications.

Career Highlights:

ASSOCIATE MANAGING DIRECTOR – Witt O’Brien’s USVI FEMA Public Assistance & HUD CDBG – DR Project Management

SENATOR – USVI Legislature Secretary, Chairman, Energy, Planning & Consumer Protection

COMMISSIONER – Department of Planning & Natural Resources – Planning & Resource Conservation

ASSISTANT CEO – Economic Development Authority Tax Incentive Program Administration

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER – VI Water & Power Authority – Environmental Protection Program Management

Meet Our Team

Susan Penn

Fiscal and Federal Compliance Director

Read Bio

Luis A. Sylvester

Technical Consultant

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Kim Waymer McClure

Business Development & Market Capture Lead

Read Bio

Franka Baly

Technology SME

Read Bio

Roy A. Pemberton, Jr.

B.S. Mar. Sci./Env. Sci.; M.S. Fish. Sci.

Read Bio

Nia Sylvester

Operations Manager

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Ready to do business in the Virgin Islands?

We’ll help you navigate the process of doing business in the Virgin Islands. Together, we can create sustainable solutions that benefit both your business and the vibrant community here.

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