WILMINGTON– Governor-elect Matt Meyer announced today the nomination of Joshua A. Bushweller to serve as Delaware’s next Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS). Bushweller, a seasoned expert in public safety and emergency management, will take on a pivotal leadership role as the state prepares for new challenges in the areas of security, disaster preparedness, and community resilience.

“Josh’s extensive experience, along with his steadfast dedication to protecting Delaware’s citizens, will be invaluable as we work to enhance our state’s preparedness, response, and resilience against emerging threats,” said Governor-elect Matt Meyer. “He understands that a safe and secure Delaware is fundamental to our prosperity, and I am confident in his ability to lead the department with integrity and vision.”

Bushweller brings over a decade of experience to the role. He currently serves as the Intelligence Commander of the Delaware State Police. He also serves on the Governor’s Cyber and Homeland Security Advisory Council and directs the Criminal Intelligence Section and Real-Time Crime Center. Additionally, Bushweller is the director of the Delaware Information Analysis Center, where he has gained substantial expertise in disaster readiness and response strategies.

In his new role, Bushweller will oversee all aspects of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, including emergency response coordination, counterterrorism efforts, cybersecurity protections, and the safeguarding of critical infrastructure throughout the state. He will also be responsible for fostering collaboration with local agencies, neighboring states, and federal partners to enhance Delaware’s security posture. Bushweller’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing the state’s ongoing efforts to ensure Delaware remains a safe and secure place to live, work, and raise a family.

It is also essential to recognize Delaware’s outgoing Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Nate McQueen, who served in the role since July 2020 and played a pivotal role in strengthening the state’s response to emerging threats and enhancing public safety. Under his leadership, the Department of Homeland Security focused on critical areas such as disaster response, emergency preparedness, cybersecurity, and safeguarding infrastructure. Prior to serving as the Secretary of Homeland Security, McQueen was the second-longest-serving Superintendent of the Delaware State Police and the first African American to hold the position. McQueen’s service left a lasting impact on the state’s ability to navigate complex security and emergency challenges, building a foundation for continued innovation in public safety and crisis response. His service to all Delawareans will be remembered for years to come.

Biography

Joshua A. Bushweller, Nominee, Cabinet Secretary, Delaware Department of Homeland Security

Joshua (Josh) Bushweller currently serves as the Intelligence Commander of the Delaware State Police.

He serves on the Governor’s Cyber and Homeland Security Advisory Council, and he directs the Criminal Intelligence Section and Real Time Crime Center. Josh is also the Director of the Delaware Information Analysis Center (DIAC), where he leads the Delaware Fusion Center working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security to identify and disrupt domestic and international terrorism threats. Due to his expertise in threat mitigation, he was invited to be a keynote speaker at the US Bipartisan Commission of Biodefense to discuss information-sharing strategies in the event of a biological threat to the US.

Josh joined the Delaware State Police in 1997 and quickly rose through the ranks. He earned commendations for neutralizing dangerous hostage situations and also increased police morale and cohesiveness due to his teamwork philosophy. When promoted to Captain, Josh served as Director for Strategic Development, Community Outreach, and Public Information.

Josh has implemented many “Best Practice” programs which have significantly reduced crime, improved post-crime neighborhood assistance, mitigated threat assessments during major events, and increased education outreach to elementary schools. His programs have also increased resources for Delaware’s Child Exploitation Task Force and the crime and traffic safety analytics. Josh has earned numerous awards for his leadership and impact.

Josh holds a Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Public Administration from Wilmington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Wesley College. He is also a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. He lives with his wife in Wyoming, Delaware, and has six children. When not working, Josh enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and spending time at the beach.

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.

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