Personnel File: July 24, 2025

The Delaware Community Foundation appointed Board of Directors Vice Chair Chanta Howard-Wilkinson to Chair for the fiscal years of 2026 and 2027 with Mariah Calagione named  Vice Chair. Drew Fennell completed her term of three years as Chair.

Howard-Wilkinson leads Chanta Wilkinson Consulting, LCC, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultancy based in Lewes.  She  served as a Deputy Attorney General and an EEO/Affirmative Action Coordinator for the New Jersey Office of Attorney General.

Calagione is co-founder of Dogfish Head, the beverage and hospitality company owned by Samuel Adams and based in Milton.  She has 30 years of experience in the beer and hospitality industries, as well as in local television and marketing..

The Executive Committee is rounded out by Pete Kennedy, Treasurer; Cindy L. Szabo, Esq., Secretary; and Dan Cruce and Margie Lopez Waite who serve as At Large Members.  . 

Also, Gina Ward and Dr. William M. Chasanov have joined the  Board of Directors.  

Chasanov, from Lewes, is a Senior Vice President, Chief Health System Design Officer at Beebe Healthcare.

Ward, from Wilmington, served for more than five years as a public representative on the Delaware Health Resources Board.  In 2018, she and her husband, Rod, established the Riverview Works Fund at the Delaware Community Foundation, with a focus on education and wellness.

Ending their terms on the DCF board are Kelly Firment and. Tamika Montgomery-Reeves.  

Firment, director of affinity management for Bank of America, served 10 years – the maximum number of terms . Montgomery-Reeves, a  United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, served six years. 

Governor announces cabinet, staff change

Gov.  Matt Meyer announced the departure of Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Josette Manning. Secretary Manning’s departure is effective October 1, 2025, when she will then join U.S. Senator Chris Coons’ office as State Director.

Before joining DHSS, Secretary Manning served as Cabinet Secretary for the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families for 7 years. Prior to this, she served as a prosecutor for the Delaware Department of Justice for 16 years, where she held various leadership positions, including Chief County Prosecutor and Director of the Special Victims Unit.

Meyer also announced  that Vanessa Phillips, who has served  as Chief of Staff since January was named  Senior Advisor to the governor. Misty Seemans, currently Deputy Legal Counsel, has been elevated to Chief of Staff.

Phillips previously served  as New Castle County’s Chief Administrative  Office when Meyer was County Executive.

Before working in the Office of the Governor, Seemans served as statewide Family Court Supervisor at the Delaware Office of Defense Services (Public Defender’s Office).

Martire to depart Tatnall at end of 2026 school year

Tatnall School announced that Andrew D. Martire, Ed.D., will depart as Head of School after the 2025-26 academic school year.

Martire has accepted a position that will take him back to his home state of Maryland. Plans to begin the search for his replacement are underway.

 Martire led Tatnall during the COVID-19 period and is credited with growth in academic and athletic programs and in  the revitalization of campus facilities.

Martire also worked closely with the board to deliver a strategic plan.

 “Andy has led with integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to our mission,” said Abby Mrozinski, president, Tatnall School Board of Trustees. “We are grateful for all he has done to move the school forward and know that we will continue to benefit from his legacy now and into the future.”

Two join Delmarva Scouting America Council

Catherine Jefferson McCoy and Bradley Driscoll are joining Del-Mar-Va Council of Scouting America, formerly Boy Scouts,  as District Executives.

McCoy has  experience  in nonprofits, federal law enforcement, and education. Driscoll comes with a  professional background in finance, technology, and event marketing.

Delaware Symphony names education, engagement director

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra announced   the appointment of Christa Sechler as full-time Director of Education & Community Engagement.

Most recently with Opera Philadelphia, she led I education initiatives reaching thousands of students annually, while also contributing to strategic planning, curriculum development, and program evaluation.

Her background includes   classroom teaching, launching   school-based programs, and building strong partnerships with community organizations .