Matthew "Skinny" Howell
Horizon Chaser & Founder
Business strategy, resource management, community relations, infrastructure oversight, and long-term vision.
Matthew brings a remarkably diverse, hands-on background shaped by grit and operational complexity. Over the years, he has worn many hats: commercial crab fishing in Alaska, serving as a translator for the military, working as a facilities engineer at a resort in Colorado, and successfully building an independent cannabis cultivation business from the ground up in Oregon.
Building a business from the roots up in highly regulated industries taught Matthew how to be exceptionally resourceful — a problem-solving mindset he brings to the unique infrastructure challenges of island living to ensure Drifters is built to last.
"He views Drifters as a collaborative ecosystem and places his utmost confidence in the incredible team — Will, Kellie, and Dario — and the distinct attributes they bring to the table."
In honor of Swayze: as a dedicated dog owner, Matthew is committed to ensuring Drifters is a welcoming haven where people can relax with their dogs.
Kellie Connolly
Partner, Life Partner & Head Instigator of Good Times and Hospitality
Bar management, special events, team leadership, and guest experience — fostering a healthy, happy, fun environment for staff and guests alike.
Operating as a joint team with Matthew, Kellie is his life partner and serves as his grounding anchor — balancing his big-picture vision with the steady, structured day-to-day operational leadership needed to build Drifters from the ground up.
Kellie grew up in Pennsylvania before moving to Oregon, bringing approximately 15 years of deep service-industry experience to St. John. She earned a degree in Rehabilitation with a minor in Psychology, working with children with disabilities before transitioning fully into hospitality — systematically working her way up from host to server, barback, bartender, and management, eventually helping open two successful businesses in Oregon.
"A happy team drives an outstanding guest environment. Kellie's passion is creating unforgettable guest experiences while fostering a healthy, supportive, and truly enjoyable workplace culture."
William Forsythe
Master of Wizardry, Spirited and Pop-Up Surprises
Beverage program, drink menus, pop-up dinners, special events, private event planning, bar setup, and food-truck grab-and-go beverages.
William brings nearly three decades of restaurant and hospitality experience spanning Colorado, Massachusetts, St. John, and the wider U.S. Virgin Islands. He has operated in virtually every tier of the food and beverage industry, bringing immense wizardry, creativity, and deep operational knowledge to the brand.
After college in Massachusetts, William moved to Vail, Colorado, starting as a busser in a fine-dining Italian restaurant and quickly advancing through food running, expediting, serving, banquets, bar backing, and bartending — mastering every facet of hospitality over the years.
"Custom-crafted cocktails for daily enjoyment and themed event experiences — that's the wizardry."
