Clarina Modeste-Elliot is the Director of Accounting for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Finance on St. Thomas. In this capacity Clarina supervises nine employees tasked with leading the daily activities of the department, which includes preparing adjustments to reconcile the General Ledger, performing month and year end closings, and preparing reports for management. Clarina is currently assisting with the ongoing implementation of the Virgin Islands' new financial management system in addition to providing financial assistance when requested by the public. Prior to joining the Department of Finance, Clarina worked in the private sector for six years in a variety of different accounting and financial management positions, including three years as the Business Office Manager for the Virgin Islands Public Television System. Clarina attended the University of the Virgin Islands where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and where she is also currently pursuing her MBA. Along with her colleague Denise Jeremiah, Clarina will take part in the Graduate School, USDA's Executive Leadership Program which will meet at four different locations on the east coast of the United States during 2008 and 2009.