President
Luana Wheatley
Born and raised on St. Thomas, Ms. Wheatley began her career in the hospitality industry after years on the creative side of the retail industry.
In 1992, Wheatley began working with Barker, Campbell & Farley, the PR Agency of Record for the USVI Department of Tourism. When the GVI changed agencies to Martin Public Relations, Wheatley continued as liaison, preparing itineraries, researching information and accompanying media and film crews visiting the islands. In 2000, she moved to the Agency headquarters in Richmond, VA and after 2 years assumed the position of Senior Account Supervisor of the USVI account. Wheatley contracted with the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association for many years to provide strategic public relations before joining the Department of Tourism in 2011 as Assistant Director of Public Relations.
Wheatley has served as the Director of the Film Office for 9 years. Her office is in charge of attracting commercial shooting, music video production and recording, TV/Movie filming, print shoots, and other media forms. Previously, she was an active member of the Committee to Revive our Culture spearheaded by Mrs. Dorothy Elskoe. Ms. Wheatley has a deep passion for the preservation of Virgin Islands culture and local culinary traditions.
Kevin Qualls, Vice President
Kevin arrived on St. Thomas in 1985 shortly after graduating from Auburn University with a degree in Architecture. He worked for DeJongh Associates for a few years, then started his own architectural design firm focusing on residential design. His practice has developed to include historic renovation and commercial projects. In 2001, he joined forces with architects Tracy Roberts and Mike deHaas to form Springline Architects. In 1991, he met his wife Ellie at a friend’s wedding. Their sons, Daniel and Jonathon, were both raised on St. Thomas and are now exploring the world.
Michael Creque,
Michael Creque is a fifth generation Virgin Islander and avid history enthusiast. He is the Director of Properties for Louis de Lyrot Holdings which includes Cardow Jewelers, Emerald Beach and Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Villas, a position he has had for the past 32 years. Creque is also in charge Governmental Relations for the company. He is the foreman for all construction and electrical projects. His background in both fields is vast.
He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Working Group which has a specific emphasis on “Downtown Revitalization”. He has advised Governors on several critical issues concerning the Main Street and Veterans Drive Enhancement Projects.
Paul Sanders, Treasurer
Paul Sanders serves as the Treasurer of the St. Thomas Historical Trust. A recent transplant to St. Thomas from St. Croix, Paul brings a fresh perspective to the board. Originally hailing from Denver, Colorado, he is currently a college student pursuing studies in finance, philosophy, history, and photography.
Paul firmly believes that history is the compass guiding our future. By preserving the past, we illuminate the path forward. He wholeheartedly supports the Trust’s mission to safeguard the island’s rich heritage, ensuring that the stories of generations past continue to inspire and inform.
In his free time, Paul has volunteered with organizations such as the Seattle Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, and the Nashville Rescue Mission. As he takes on this pivotal role, he looks forward to contributing his unique insights and passion for history to the Trust’s endeavors.
Felipe Ayala Jr., Education Chair
Felipe Ayala Jr. has been a board member of the Trust for the past 21 years, serving both as president and vice president. He is now the Trust's Education Chairman. He is also current Chairman of the St. Thomas-St. John Committee of the Historic Preservation Com-mission, which regulates building activity in the Virgin Islands' Government Controlled Architec-tural Historic District. Author of A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Charlotte Amalie Historic District - Kongens Quarter, Felipe is an avid gardener and a collector of art and West Indian antique furniture.
Jessica Geller, Secretary and Membership Chair
Jessica Geller has served on the Membership Committee, Fundraising Committee and as License Plate chairperson of the St Thomas Historical Trust. She is also a board member of the Friends of the St Thomas Public Library. After many visits to the US Virgin Islands, Jessica and her family became full time residents of St Thomas in 2016. She is the owner and caretaker of a restored Historic home on Blackbeards Hill. Prior to living the dream she worked in the corporate world for many years as a Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement manager for a large global chemical distributor. She is an avid chef, obsessive about restoring old homes and an amateur tropical gardener.
Philip Sturm, Education Co-Chair
Philip Sturm was brought up in Trinidad, West Indies. He moved to London and New York to live, work and further his education. His European furniture studies enlarged his own knowledge of West Indian furniture. Moving St. Thomas, he bought and renewed a historic property. Philip's published articles on West Indian antique furniture appear in art magazines. A past president and board member of the Trust, he's also had leader-ship roles on the governmental Historic Preservation Commission, and on other boards.
Vincent “Doc” Palancia, Chairman Hassel Island Task Force
Doc was born and raised in Brooklyn NY. Formal Education includes an MS. ED, in Counseling, and BA Degrees in English and Psychology. Serving over 20 years as a Major of United States Marines’, he is a veteran of Vietnam, Beirut, and Desert Storm. While on active duty, he served the Office of the President of the United States as Marine 1 Helicopter Co-pilot for President James Earl Carter III.
As a world traveled, amateur military historian, he became interested in the military history and historical significance of Hassel Island several years ago.
He is a semi-retired, full time resident of St. Thomas and is married to the love of his life, Doris.