Public-private partnership will lead economic development, business marketing and recruitment for Delaware

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday announced appointments to the board of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership – the public-private partnership that will lead Delaware’s economic development efforts, and business marketing and recruitment for the state. Board members represent a cross-section of Delaware’s economy – with representatives from Delaware’s financial industry, leading corporations, the nonprofit sector, higher education, and the legal community.

Governor Carney will co-chair the partnership’s board alongside Rod Ward, President of CSC.

“Collectively, this group of leaders from across our state will ensure that Delaware is positioned to create good-paying jobs, to attract talent, and to lead in a 21st century economy,” said Governor Carney. “As co-chair, I will remain closely involved in the direction of the partnership, and Delaware’s economic development efforts. And we will focus on promoting innovation, attracting technology-focused jobs to Delaware, connecting entrepreneurs with available resources, and building a talented workforce. Thank you to Rod Ward for agreeing to co-chair this group, and to all of those who have agreed to serve.”

“We are extremely pleased with the Governors foresight and leadership in establishing a public-private partnership to expand economic development here in Delaware,” said Ward. “Increasing business community involvement and support was one of the major recommendations of the Delaware Business Roundtable’s Delaware Growth Agenda. The board appointed by the Governor for the Delaware Prosperity Partnership is ready to roll up their sleeves and work to attract new business and entrepreneurs into our state.”

Governor Carney, who took office in January, has made it a top priority to restructure Delaware’s economic development efforts, and strategically partnering with the private sector on economic growth was a key recommendation of the Governor’s Action Plan for Delaware. Last month, Governor Carney signed House Bill 226, creating the Delaware Prosperity Partnership and a new division within the Department of State to support small business growth.

The Delaware Prosperity Partnership – which will be run day-to-day by a chief executive officer and a full-time staff – will lead business marketing efforts for the state, with a focus on attracting early-stage and technology-focused businesses, recruitment of large employers, and expansion of international business opportunities for Delaware companies. Its leaders also will work with employers and Delaware educators to fill key talent gaps in the state. The state will jointly fund the partnership’s operations with private business.

Partnership board members include:

Governor John Carney (co-chair)

• Rod Ward, President, CSC (co-chair)
• Desmond Baker, Founder, Desmond A. Baker & Associates
• Alan Brangman, Executive Vice President, University of Delaware
• Patrick Callahan, Founder, CompassRed
• Eric Cheek, Associate Vice President, Delaware State University
• Doneene Damon, Executive Vice President, Richards, Layton, & Finger
• Jeanmarie Desmond, Co-Controller, DowDuPont
• Robert Herrera, Co-Founder, The Mill
• Nick Lambrow, President of Delaware Region, M&T Bank
• Senator Greg Lavelle, Delaware State Senate
• Greg Moore, Vice President, Becker Morgan Group
• Lori Palmer, Ventures Executive Leader, Trellist Marketing Technology
• Rob Rider, CEO, O.A. Newton
• Representative Bryon Short, Delaware House of Representatives
• Richelle Vible, Executive Director, Catholic Charities
• Senator Jack Walsh, Delaware State Senate
• Representative Lyndon Yearick, Delaware House of Representatives

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