Meyer adds Prosperity Partnership board members in shift toward entrepreneurship

DPP Co-Chair Rod Ward will step down from his post. Ward is CEO of CSC, a global provider of business services based in Wilmington. Ward has taken a visible role in championing  economic development and corporate legal matters in the state. 

 

The  governor called on the board to strengthen its focus on building an innovation- and entrepreneurship-driven economy in Delaware.

 

Earlier, Meyer had sent shockwaves through  the corporate community when he indicated the DPP should focus on start-ups and small businesses. At the same time, Meyer said he would work with the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce on a path forward, according to a story from  Spotlight Delaware.

 

The DPP has been credited with working with large and small companies relocating, maintaining or expanding operations in the state. A key tool is the Strategic Grant program authorized by the General Assembly. According to its estimate, the organization has brought in  an estimated $3.5 billion in investments to the state

 

There had been fears that Meyer might seek to scrap or greatly alter DPP, which  came up with a big win when pharma giant Merck announced a $1 billion research center near Wilmington. 

 

"Governor Meyer is now elevating this work by making startups and entrepreneurial innovation a central component of its mission," a release from the governor's office stated.

 

“Delaware’s economy is strongest when we turn new ideas into successful businesses that create jobs and opportunities right here at home,” Meyer stated. “By making innovation and entrepreneurship a core part of DPP’s mission, we are positioning Delaware to compete nationally as a hub for startups and cutting-edge industries. With this talented group of board members, we will support local entrepreneurs, attract new investment, and build a future where the next generation of great companies chooses to start and grow in Delaware.”

 

Over the next three months, the DPP Board and staff will be working on a plan to add a new service focused on helping early-stage startups grow in Delaware, the release stated. 

 

Succeeding Ward as Co-Chair is  Rodger Levenson CEO of WSFS and Robert Herrera (9SDC and The Mill Space). They will serve as Co-Chairs of the board.

 

“Rod Ward has been a tireless advocate for the State of Delaware,” said Meyer. “We appreciate all he’s done to help create good-paying jobs and bolster Delaware’s economy.” Ward is still listed as a board member.

 

The additional and hold-over  board members did not include representatives from organized labor. Organized labor leaders did not back Meyer's primary bid for governor. 

 

The DPP is a private-public entity that is supported by business members and state appropriations. As a private agency it is not subject to freedom of information requests, leading to criticism in some quarters. 

 

 

Rob Herrera is Founder and Managing Partner of The Mill, Delaware’s largest coworking community.

 

Zakiyyah J. Ali is CEO of the Tech Council of Delaware, where she leads efforts to strengthen Delaware’s tech ecosystem.

 

Patrick Callahan is Director at LabWare and serves on the State of Delaware’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence. 

 

Ed Capodanno recently served as  President of Associated Builders and Contractors, Delaware Chapter.

 

Malcolm Coley is Founder of ReadyPromptOne, host of Delaware’s first AI Summit, and CTO of Futures First Gaming, an ed-tech and esports company. 

 

Dr. Dan Freeman is the Founding Director of Horn Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware, which engages nearly 10% of UD students annually and supports commercialization and startup activity across the state. 

 

John Gavenonis is a senior executive with deep experience in business development and technology leadership. He previously served as vice president and general manager of Agilent Technologies’ $1 billion Chemistries and Supplies Division.

 

Jeanne Mell is Principal of JMell Communications, advising innovation-focused organizations on strategy, branding, and impact. She previously held senior leadership roles at OraSure Technologies, the University City Science Center, and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

 

Steve Montgomery is the operating owner of The Starboard Restaurant Group, which includes several successful restaurants in Delaware and Maryland. 

 

Emilie R. Ninan is Co-Chair of Ballard Spahr’s national Finance Department, where she advises governments, nonprofits, and businesses on public and commercial finance. 

 

Dr. Suzanne Sysko Clough is co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of AmalgamRx, a digital health company creating  solutions in partnership with life sciences and health systems. 

 

Dr. Kris Vaddi is founder and CEO of Prelude Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing new cancer treatments. 

 

Robert Wittig is Partner at DSM Commercial, bringing more than 35 years of experience in real estate brokerage and development. He has overseen the acquisition and development of more than 1.7 million square feet of commercial property for national and regional retailers.