Senator Ray Fonseca is a proud Virgin Islander, born in Vesta Gade, Savan, and raised in the Bovoni community of St. Thomas. He is the son of David Smith-Fonseca and Linelle Todman-Williams.
Ray Fonseca is a strong advocate for accountability and transparency in government. He is dedicated to promoting a better quality of life for all Virgin Islanders. A proud product of the U.S. Virgin Islands public school system, Fonseca attended Lockhart Elementary School, Addelita Cancryn Junior High School, and graduated from Ivanna Eudora Kean High School.
Fonseca excelled academically, graduating as a high honors student and earning the prestigious Alton A. Adams Scholarship, a full four-year academic scholarship. He completed his undergraduate studies at Florida State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Management and Accounting. Fonseca is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He furthered his education by earning a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of the Virgin Islands.
Coming from humble beginnings, Fonseca worked hard to support his family. As a young man, he sold newspapers and later worked as a server in the hotel and restaurant industry. He began his government career at the Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) as an Assistant Accounting Supervisor. During his 19-year tenure at VIHA, he worked diligently, rising through the ranks to become the Chief Executive Officer. Most of his professional career was spent at VIHA, where he gained extensive knowledge and experience in construction management.
After leaving VIHA, Fonseca joined the Virgin Islands Department of Health as Chief of Staff to the Commissioner of Health. During his tenure, he also served as Director of Mental Health, Alcoholism, and Substance Abuse.
Upon retiring from the Virgin Islands Government System, Fonseca worked as a Project Manager and Contractor for several major construction projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. His projects included renovations for all Kmart stores in St. Croix and St. Thomas, and the construction of the University of the Virgin Islands Marine Center. Former Governor Roy L. Schneider also selected him as the Project Manager for the Temporary Emergency Housing Construction. He also completed the Starfish Market development on St. John.
Ray Fonseca is a man of faith with a deep passion for serving others. He has dedicated the majority of his adult life to public service and remains accessible to the community. Fonseca has a strong love for family and is the proud father of four sons.
In the 36th Legislature, Senator Fonseca was unanimously re-elected by his colleagues to serve as Chairman of the Committee on Health, Hospitals & Human Services. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety Committee, and a member of the Budget and Finance Committee, the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection, as well as the Housing, Telecommunications, and Transportation Committee.
Senator Fonseca understands the importance of public service and remains committed to improving the lives of all Virgin Islanders.
