James Collins nominated to serve as the next Chief Information Officer of Department of Technology and Information

Wilmington, DE – Governor Jack Markell announced today he is nominating James Collins to become the next Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI), recognizing Collins’ extensive experience as a leader in state organizations and on information technology projects. If confirmed by the State Senate, Collins would succeed Jim Sills, who will take over as president and chief executive officer of Mechanics and Farmers Bank next week after serving as DTI CIO since 2009. DTI Chief Operating Officer William Hickox will serve as Acting CIO immediately following Sills’ departure. The Senate will have an opportunity to consider Collins’ nomination when it meets for a special session on October 8^th.

“James understands that nearly every initiative we undertake as a state involves information technology,” said Governor Markell. “His expertise in this field along with his impressive record of developing and implementing innovative services make him an ideal candidate to serve as the state’s Chief Information Officer.

“In addition, James’ work with DTI through his previous roles will give him a head start in using his leadership skills to drive the agency’s work in protecting the security of the state’s networks, continuing expansion of access to high speed broadband, and partnering with the rest of my administration.”

Collins, who earned a Master of Science in Managing Innovation and Information Technology from Champlain College in 2005, spent ten years as the Director of Delaware’s Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) in the Department of State. He served simultaneously as Deputy Secretary of State from 2009 – 2013, where he helped to manage nearly 600 employees and expand the state’s e-Government initiatives and use of information technology, including to:

·        Enhance patient care and increase revenues by 22 percent at the Delaware Veterans Home by deploying an electronic medical records (EMR) system;

·        Increase public access to information through the Public Service Commission’s web portal; and

·        Create the Veterans Services Directory, an online searchable database of organizations that provide assistance to veterans, military members, and their families.

At DPR, Collins also led the establishment of the Delaware Prescription Monitoring Program database to combat a statewide prescription drug abuse problem. The system, used by a significant portion of Delaware physicians, serves as a powerful tool for prescribers to prevent drug-seeking “doctor shoppers” from abusing prescription medications.

Collins left the Department in January to become the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, a position that includes acting as Markell’s policy advisor on issues relating to DTI.

“I am thrilled and humbled to be nominated by Governor Markell to lead DTI,” said Collins. “If confirmed, I will take very seriously the agency’s most important obligation to safeguard the state’s data and information systems, and to provide agencies with strong support in order to help them deliver the highest quality services to our ultimate customers – the people of Delaware.

“I know the state is highly dependent on secure information systems that are functioning at their highest levels. If given the opportunity to serve, it will be my priority to work with the talented team at DTI to make the agency’s expertise and assistance readily available for these initiatives.”

Prior to joining the Department of State, Collins implemented large-scale computer technology projects as a senior consultant with Peregrine Systems, an enterprise software company, and MAXIMUS Inc., a leading operator of government health and human services programs around the world.

Collins, 44, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wesley College in 1997, while serving in the United States Air Force for nearly nine years, before finishing his military career at Dover Air Force Base. He is also certified by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction as a technical trainer in the information technology industry. He resides with his wife and daughter in Magnolia.

The Delaware Department of Technology and Information serves as the state’s central IT organization, chartered to deliver core services to other state organizations and exercise governance over the technology direction and investments of the state.

As students across our state return to school, it’s important to remember that a successful year in our classrooms means ensuring they are excited about learning and have opportunities to challenge themselves. Students do best, and are motivated to learn, when they believe that their studies are relevant to their future. They struggle, or worse yet, drop out, when they don’t see the connection between their education and the real world.  This year our STEM Council is bringing new, hands-on science activities into our middle and high schools. And our students will be exposed to career paths in our fastest growing industries by working directly with professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math or STEM. We’ve also partnered with the Manufacturing Association, with Delaware Tech, and schools districts on a pilot program that offers high schoolers the chance to receive the training, skills, and nationally recognized certificates that they need to be ready for the workplace by the time they graduate.  When students are working with high-tech manufacturing equipment in addition to reading from a textbook, they excel. Now, we also know students fall behind when they aren’t challenged.  Research shows that more than ten percent of students who are on a path to being college ready when they take the PSAT in 10th grade fall off of that path by the time they take the SAT in 11th grade. When students stop taking challenging courses and pushing themselves, they stop growing. That’s not just true for our sophomores and juniors.  It’s true for every student in every grade. By committing to make school relevant and engaging for our students, and asking our students to work hard and push themselves, we’ll have a successful school year and we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.

(Wilmington, DE) – In his weekly message, Governor Markell highlights education efforts in Delaware focused on ensuring students are motivated to learn by making their studies relevant to their future. “This year our STEM Council is bringing new, hands-on science activities into our middle and high schools, and our students will be exposed to career paths in our fastest-growing industries by working directly with professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math,” said Governor Markell. “By committing to make school relevant and engaging for our students, and asking our students to work hard and push themselves, we’ll have a successful school year and we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

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Transcript of The Governor’s Weekly Message: Motivating Students to Succeed

Change will increase grant funding for statewide outdoor recreation programs

Bellevue State Park – Joined by DNREC Secretary David Small, Lewes Mayor Theodore Becker, and Delaware State Parks Director Ray Bivens, as well as state legislators and members of Delaware State Parks and recreational organizations, Governor Jack Markell signed legislation today that will change the structure and management of the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund (DTF) and is expected to generate additional funding for outdoor recreation throughout the state. Senate Bill 75 will allow the management of the DTF as an endowment, producing higher yields from the fund’s investments which will continue to be used to fund grants to improve county and municipal parks, trails, playgrounds and other active recreation facilities, and to purchase additional land for outdoor recreation.

“Just as each of us seeks to maximize our income on investments, this legislation enables the state to do the same,” said Governor Jack Markell. “Changing the investment of the DTF from cash to true endowment management is expected to yield greater returns to fund outdoor recreation projects statewide for generations to come.”

The Cash Management Board and Treasurer’s office will remain the custodians and managers of the Fund. The Board’s expertise will provide valuable oversight and direction to strengthen the management of the investment, resulting in increased recreational opportunities statewide.  Since its inception in 1986, DTF has awarded grants to more than 300 projects such as Soroptomist Park in Seaford, Schutte Park in Dover and the James F. Hall National Recreation Trail in Newark.  Grants to county and municipal governments have leveraged over $64.5 million in local and other investments in outdoor recreation.

The endowment investment income is allocated through a formula that provides two-thirds of available funds to DTF grants, and the final third to stewardship projects for DNREC’s Divisions of Fish and Wildlife and Parks and Recreation, Delaware Department of Agriculture for forestry projects, and the Division of Historic and Cultural Affairs.

“Our municipal, county and state parks, trails, state forests and historical and cultural sites are incredible assets to our citizens and visitors and are an important part of our tourism economy, “ said DNREC Secretary David Small. “We need to assure that we are investing in this infrastructure and this legislation will help provide that funding. We appreciate the support from our Parks’ Friends groups which got behind this bill and does so many valuable services and projects for our Parks and our visitors.”

The legislation will increase the effectiveness of the DTF by enabling the state to lower match requirements for municipal and county projects from 50 percent to 25 percent. The bill also establishes an infrastructure account which will provide $1 million annually for improvements in state parks, and fish and wildlife areas statewide.

“Lewes has been the recipient of several Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund grants over the past 20 years,” said Lewes Mayor Theodore Becker. “These funds have leveraged local, private and foundation resources enabling Lewes to expand recreational opportunities at Smith Park at Blockhouse Pond, Canalfront Park, and a yet-to-be-built trailhead adjacent to the future library.  Once a forlorn and inactive boatyard, Canalfront Park is now a gathering place and a gem along the Lewes & Rehoboth Canal.  DTF grant awards totaling $1.57 million have improved the quality of life for Lewes residents and created great places for visitors.”

Governor Markell was joined at the bill signing by Sen. David McBride – the legislation’s primary sponsor.

“We’ve worked hard to get this legislation through for some time,” said McBride. “Higher returns on the endowment will generate more funding for outdoor recreation projects throughout the state; projects for which there is great need. I want to thank the legislature and Governor Markell for their support of this legislation – a bill we’ve looked forward to for several years.”

“This bill is a big win for everyone involved – the state, our counties and municipalities, especially smaller towns,” said House sponsor, Rep. Debra Heffernan. “We all know that increasing funding to enable more outdoor recreation projects is good for the health of all Delawareans – especially the health of our children. These projects can also bring tourism dollars and many other benefits to our state, without costing Delaware any additional funds.”

Ray Bivens, Director of DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation said, “This bill takes a great program and makes it better by giving it tools to fight inflation and be sustainable for generations to come.”

Photos from the event

Following a month long investigation Delaware Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement Agents, Delaware State Police, Delaware Department of State Division of Professional Regulation, Delaware Probation and Parole and Milton Police Department conducted search warrants at several Selbyville and Frankford convenience stores that led to multiple arrests.

Information had been received that the following locations were illegally selling prescription type drugs:

La Sierra: 58 West Church Street, Selbyville, Delaware

Danny’s Pizzeria: N. Main Street, Selbyville Delaware – investigation is ongoing

Taco Town: 34051 DuPont Blvd., Frankford Delaware

During the search prescription type drugs and substances were seized along with over 500 bootleg DVDs and approximately $88,000 in cash.

SUSPECT
Isela Delgado, 31, of Ocean City, Maryland

CHARGES:
Operate a Pharmacy without a License
Delivery of Non-Controlled Prescription Medication
Delivery of a Hypodermic Syringe

BAIL: $4100.00 – Unsecured

LOCATION: Taco Town 34051 DuPont Blvd., Frankford

SUSPECT
Oscar B. Jimenez, 35, of Ocean City, Maryland

CHARGES:
Operate a Pharmacy without a License
Delivery of Non-Controlled Prescription Medication
Delivery of a Hypodermic Syringe
Trademark Counterfeiting

BAIL: $5500.00 – Unsecured

LOCATION: La Sierra 58 West Church Street, Selbyville