Maureen Burke Ventura, AIA
Maureen Burke Ventura is the Assistant Vice President and Manager of Facilities and Interior services at Banco Popular, VI Region. Before joining Banco Popular in 2011, Ms. Burke worked at the Department of Planning and Natural Resources for approximately fifteen years in various positions, such as Plan Reviewer II, Chief Building Inspector, Director, and Territorial Director of Permits. One of her most memorable achievements is being a part of the team, along with FEMA, that created the first “Stronger Home Guide” after Hurricane Hugo, resulting in fewer roofs being impacted by hurricanes.
At Innovative Communication Corp., as the Director of Facilities Management, she oversaw the renovation of Bjerget House and the construction of the Innovative Business Center. She spent six years with Innovative, now known as VIYA.
In 2021, Ms. Burke was appointed to the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority Board by Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. She is a past president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Mu Gamma Omega Chapter, and a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church Restoration Committee. A graduate of Howard University, School of Architecture and Planning, (five-year program), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. As one of the top twenty-five out of two hundred-plus students in the freshman class, she was selected for an architectural study tour in Europe. The students traveled to Italy, France, Sweden, Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland, Finland, and Norway. She interned at Cape Architects in Christiansted, has been licensed since 1990, and has been a member of the American Institute of Architects since 1994.
Ms. Burke was born on the island of St. Croix and is proud of her Virgin Islands heritage. Her parents, Calvin and Gwendolyn Burke instilled discipline, encouraged the pursuit of an education, and provided an example of lasting traditions. She has one son, Angel “AJ” Ventura, lll.
I am humbled by the opportunity to be a part of the Emancipation Commemoration Committee. My professional experiences will assist the committee with design and permitting requirements to deliver an elevated level of enhancement of landmarks, Emancipation Drive, Emancipation Garden, and Cruz Bay. My commitment to our community is unquestionable.