Wilmington, DE—Today, Delaware Governor-elect Matt Meyer announced his latest cabinet nominees as he prepares to take office next month. He nominated Matthew Heckles as the Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority, Josette Manning as the Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, and Steven Yeatman as the Secretary of the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families.

Matthew, Josette, and Steven bring deep expertise and proven track records in housing, public health, and child welfare. Together, they’ll tackle some of our state’s most significant challenges and help build more resilient communities – working to expand healthcare access, support our children and families, and bring down housing costs.

Matthew Heckles is a nationally recognized housing expert who will bring a wealth of experience to the Delaware State Housing Authority. He is currently the Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which serves Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. Heckles will be tasked with addressing Delaware’s growing housing affordability crisis and working with stakeholders across the state to bring down costs, build more units, and reduce homelessness. 

“The rent is too damn high, and Matthew will help more Delaware families lower housing costs,” said Governor-elect Meyer. “Housing is a human right, and I look forward to working with Matthew to build more affordable housing and help all Delawareans thrive.”

A seasoned public health advocate and Delaware’s current Secretary of Health and Social Services, Josette Manning has worked tirelessly to expand access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations. Her background includes leadership roles in public health initiatives to improve maternal and child health, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. As Secretary, she will continue to oversee the state’s efforts to enhance healthcare delivery, provide affordable options for Delawareans, and strengthen community health across the state.

“Josette’s steadfast leadership of the Department of Health and Social Services is improving the lives of Delawareans,” said Governor-elect Matt Meyer. “Her deep understanding of the healthcare system and her commitment to equitable access to services will ensure the health and well-being of all Delawareans.”

With over two decades of experience in child welfare, Steven Yeatman is the current Secretary for the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families. He has dedicated his career to improving the lives of Delaware’s children and families through a focus on building community-based solutions, enhancing foster care programs, and bettering health services for youth.

“Steven has an innate ability to thoughtfully and effectively lead the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families,” said Governor-elect Meyer. “He will be a critical member of Team Meyer and will continue serving Delaware’s kids on Day One of our administration.”

To learn more about Delaware Governor-elect Matt Meyer and his transition team, please visit https://transition.delaware.gov/

Matthew Heckles – Nominee, Director, Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)

Matthew Heckles is a seasoned housing and community development leader with over two decades of experience driving affordable housing initiatives. Currently serving as the Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), he oversees the delivery of federal housing programs across six states, including Delaware. Previously, he led the Community Development Administration in Maryland, managing a broad portfolio of affordable housing and economic development programs. 

Heckles previously served as a senior leader at the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), where he helped grow the state’s housing finance activities and launched innovative programs to support low- and moderate-income families. Known for his strategic thinking, Heckles advocates for creative, data-driven approaches to addressing the housing crisis. He is deeply committed to providing safe, affordable housing and has a proven track record of collaborating with stakeholders to improve communities across the Mid-Atlantic. Heckles holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Relations and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Delaware. Matthew lives in Wilmington with his wife and three sons, who attend Wilmington Friends School.

Josette Manning – Nominee, Secretary, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)

Josette DelleDonne Manning is a Delaware native who has been a state employee for 24 years. She currently leads the Department of Health and Social Services, which promotes health and well-being and fosters self-sufficiency for all Delawareans. With ten divisions, over 4,000 employees, and a budget of over $5 billion, DHSS is one of the largest agencies in state government. 

Before joining DHSS, Secretary Manning served as Cabinet Secretary for the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families for six years. Prior to this, she served as a prosecutor for the Delaware Department of Justice for 17 years, where she held various leadership positions, including Chief County Prosecutor and Director of the Special Victims Unit. Manning received her Juris Doctor from Widener School of Law (Delaware Law School) and her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston University. She resides in Wilmington with her husband and their three children.  

Steven Yeatman – Nominee, Secretary, Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families

Steven Yeatman has served in various youth and family services positions for the State of Delaware for over 28 years. Before becoming Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families in 2023, Steven held various front-line, supervisory, and managerial positions in each division within the department. In his current role, he has full operational oversight of all state-administered child welfare, juvenile justice, and behavioral health services.

Throughout his career, Steven simultaneously served in the United States Army Reserve and Pennsylvania National Guard. He is a combat Veteran who served in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received several awards throughout his service, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. After 20 years of service, he retired from the military in 2010. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, a B.A. in Sociology, and a Master’s in Education.  

ABOUT DELAWARE GOVERNOR-ELECT MATT MEYER

Governor-elect Matt Meyer is a former public school math teacher and small business owner who has served as New Castle County Executive since 2017. As the leader of Delaware’s largest local government, Matt has proven that government can still work for the people– delivering real results for real people and making real progress for Delaware’s working families. Gov-elect Meyer will bring that same result-driven leadership across our state by creating an effective government that reflects our values and priorities. 

From Wilmington to Kenya and Iraq: Growing up in Delaware, Matt attended schools in the Brandywine School District, followed by Wilmington Friends School, and then studied Computer Science & Political Science at Brown University. He then moved to Nairobi, Kenya, where he learned Swahili and created Ecosandals, a recycled footwear company that sold environmentally friendly footwear to customers in 17 countries on five continents. Matt subsequently spent 12 months in Mosul, Iraq, as a diplomat embedded with the United States Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

Print