DOVER, Del. — With more than 350 state employees representing 20 state agencies and all three branches of government, the State of Delaware renewed its commitment to sustaining a diverse, inclusive workforce during the 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Summit. With the theme “Creating a Culture of Inclusive Excellence,” this year’s summit brought together a diverse group of state employees, agency division leaders, industry professionals, civil rights experts, and thought leaders to share insights, best practices, and success stories aimed at embracing diversity and creating an inclusive culture.

The summit featured thought-provoking keynote speeches and interactive workshops that equipped attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to drive positive change and maximize their organizations’ potential. Dr. Janice Bell Underwood, who serves as the Biden Administration’s Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Officer, delivered a powerful keynote address focused on “Inclusive Excellence in Community, Business, and State Government.” She highlighted how federal agencies and other states are creating a sustainable culture for not only a diverse workforce, but also one focused on accessibility for all employees and a work environment that treats employees fairly regardless of race, gender, sexual preference or age.

Governor Carney, a longtime advocate for diversity and inclusion, focused his remarks on how the state government workforce reflects the population of our state, after years of sustained efforts. He also signed a proclamation declaring October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, reinforcing the state’s commitment to creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities throughout state government.

“You can’t just talk about being ‘for diversity.’ You have to show it by building a cabinet that reflects the population of our state, which I am proud to say, we did,” Governor Carney said. “The population of our state is about 38% people of color, and our state workforce is about 38% people of color. Women make up about 52% of our state’s population, and women make up 52% of our state workforce. In fact, for the first time in the history of our state, there are more women than men in leadership positions at state agencies as cabinet secretaries, division directors and other leadership positions.”

While acknowledging there is more work to do, Governor Carney also noted that for the first time in the state’s history, more than 40% of state legislators and state court judges are women.

Claire DeMatteis, Secretary of the Department of Human Resources, highlighted how employees at the grassroots level at state agencies are initiating unconscious bias and other trainings to engage employees. “At the Department of Correction, we empowered officers to turn their skepticism and distrust into action. They established DOC4Inclusion and got to work. Over the past four years they have made policies, procedures, and everyday work functions more equitable, diverse and inclusive. I have witnessed first-hand how our fellow state employees turn the words ‘diversity, equity and inclusion’ into action.”

Richard Potter, Delaware’s Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, who led the team that organized the summit, reflected on how the state is expanding its outreach to employees who represent many different ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientations and disability backgrounds. “In a world that is increasingly diverse and interconnected, it is imperative that we create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents,” said Potter. “The State of Delaware is committed to leading the charge in driving meaningful change and ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of our collective consciousness.”

Attendees participated in a range of engaging workshops, including:

• Consciously Overcoming Unconscious Bias
• Understanding Identities
• Supporting Disability Inclusion: Advocate, Ally, and Activist
• (Almost) Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Disabilities
• Americans with Disabilities Act Past, Present, Future

These workshops allowed participants to delve deeper into the various aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing practical insights and tools to implement positive change within their agencies.

For further information on the 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit, visit https://dhr.delaware.gov/events/diversity-summit-2023/index.shtml.

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DOVER, Del.  — Demonstrating a long-standing commitment to supporting military families, Delaware’s Department of Human Resources (DHR) announces a new program aimed at creating career opportunities for military spouses. The Military Spouse Transition Network (MSTN) project is a partnership between the State of Delaware and the National Association of State Personnel Executives (NASPE), an organization dedicated to improving the communication and exchange of information among state government personnel executives nationwide.

Military spouses face the challenge of relocating to new duty stations approximately every three years, a hurdle that can significantly hinder their professional careers and financial support for their families. Without proper career assistance, they are often left with no choice but to accept lower-paying jobs, leading to professional dissatisfaction and limited workforce participation.

The program is designed to assist all recognized military spouses employed by state government agencies in NASPE member states. Delaware’s DHR is taking the program a step further by extending an invitation to assist with career placement to all military spouses and their dependents relocating to the state. To reach a wider audience, the State of Delaware has been actively promoting the MSTN program by engaging with different military branches and sharing information at local hiring events. The process starts when the military member receives a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) notice. Upon such notification, military spouses are encouraged to contact the designated MSTN liaison in their home state who will connect them with the appropriate personnel in the receiving state. This process facilitates an information exchange, providing military spouses access to a wide array of valuable career services, including resume assistance, skills translation, and important professional contacts, with the goal of supporting their successful re-employment.

“The State of Delaware understands the unique burdens and challenges military spouses and their dependents face when transitioning to a new state, and it is with this understanding that we started this military spouse transition program to directly address their re-employment challenges,” said Claire DeMatteis, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Human Resources. “We want to go the extra mile to make sure military spouses know that Delaware is a place that values and appreciates their hard work, experience and sacrifice.”

By joining NASPE’s Military Spouse Transition Network, Delaware’s DHR is dedicated to offering military spouses and their dependents a smoother transition and, assisting them in finding meaningful employment within state government. The program also fosters a supportive environment that recognizes and appreciates the skills and resilience of military spouses and families.

For more information, contact Erica Pratz, MSTN Liaison for the State of Delaware, by email erica.pratz@delaware.gov or call (302) 672-5161.

 

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DOVER, Del. — To better inform the State’s strategic workforce planning, the Delaware Department of Human Resources’ talent management team has analyzed the number of state employees eligible to retire over the next five years to help state agencies more effectively manage their recruitment and retention efforts.

The State of Delaware Retirement Eligibility Report details that 23% of state employees are eligible to retire by June 30, 2027, which is significantly lower than the average number of 32.5% of eligible state employees who retire annually. An in-depth examination of state Executive Branch agencies, excluding the Judicial and Legislative Branches, revealed the rate of state employees retiring has remained steady over the past 16 years, even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020-2022.

“We know that for the past several years, the state and private sector have faced hiring challenges,” said DHR Secretary Claire DeMatteis. “This report provides some encouraging news that the state has not seen a spike in retirements over the past several years, and it also helps guide our workforce planning efforts to recruit and retain employees, as well as continuing to make state salaries more competitive, invest in employee training and career advancement, and promote a healthy work-life balance.”

• The report shows that 12% of state agency employees are eligible for immediate retirement, while 23% can retire within the next five years.
• The four largest agencies with the potential of 30% or more staff eligible to retire in the next five years include the Departments of Health and Social Services; Transportation; Correction; and Services for Children, Youth and Their Families.
• The Department of Safety and Homeland Security, one of the state’s larger agencies, has the lowest percentage of employees eligible to retire in the next five years at only 8%.
• 28% of Delaware school teachers are eligible to retire within five years.

To address recruitment and retention challenges, the State of Delaware, under the leadership of Governor John Carney and the Delaware General Assembly, has already taken action and implemented significant measures, including an average salary increase of 12% for state workers for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024. State employees at the lower end of the pay scales have seen their salaries increase by as much as 18% over this two-year period.

Furthermore, with the support of the Carney Administration and the General Assembly, the Delaware Department of Human Resources has initiated several workforce initiatives, including:

• Hiring incentives, including sign-on, referral and retention bonuses;
• A comprehensive recruitment, marketing and social media hiring campaign;
• Legislation to encourage delayed retirement;
• Improved data analysis to support retention;
• Creating a more uniform onboarding process; and
• Providing flexible work schedules.

Moving forward, the State of Delaware remains committed to closely monitoring, analyzing, and continuously improving these recruitment and retention initiatives based on their performance and effectiveness.

To view the report, visit the Department of Human Resources website.

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DOVER, Del. (May 11, 2023) —With the implementation of the new Marijuana and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy, the use of marijuana in all its forms is prohibited in all state-owned, operated and leased buildings, along with the previously prohibited use of alcohol and other controlled substances.

The new policy, effective May 3, 2023, demonstrates the state’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a workplace free of substance use and misuse.

The Department of Human Resources (DHR) implemented the new policy in response to the enactment of:

• House Bill 1, which maintains that consuming marijuana in an area accessible to the public or in a moving vehicle remains unlawful, and
• House Bill 2, which expressly allows an employer who occupies, owns, or controls a property to prohibit or otherwise regulate the possession, consumption, use, display, transfer, distribution, sale, transportation, or growing of marijuana on or in that property.

The state’s Marijuana and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy requires all executive branch employees to acknowledge and adhere to the policy. The policy allows state agencies to issue supplemental, more restrictive alcohol and drug-free policies to comply with federal and state laws. The policy explicitly states that violations, including the use of, or impairment by, alcohol, marijuana, or other controlled substances in the workplace, will not be tolerated, and that state employees who violate the policy may face disciplinary action or dismissal.

“State policies make it very clear that state employees and visitors to state buildings may not use marijuana in any form, smoke cigarettes, or be under the influence of alcohol or any other dangerous drugs in or around state facilities,” said DHR Secretary Claire DeMatteis. “We want to be very clear that such behavior will not be tolerated.”

To inform employees of the new policy, the State of Delaware has outlined the following notification and training guidelines:

• Current employees were notified on May 10^th to read and acknowledge the policy through the Delaware Learning Center, which is the state’s established online learning platform.
• Newly hired employees will receive the policy upon hire and must acknowledge it within 30 days.
• Executive branch agencies must post a copy of this policy in a conspicuous workplace location, including links on relevant websites.
• Employees must attend required training as assigned.

With this policy effective for the 16 state executive branch agencies, non-executive branch agencies are encouraged to adopt and administer the policy to maintain consistency across state government.

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State employees recognized for excellence and commitment to public service

 

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday signed a proclamation announcing May 7-13, 2023 as Public Service Recognition Week. Beginning on the first Sunday of May, the week is devoted to recognizing and paying tribute to government employees who provide valuable services to Delawareans while keeping the public sector running smoothly. The Governor, together with members of his Cabinet and the state’s business community, will acknowledge the outstanding work of state employees and honor our exceptional public servants through a series of videos released each day.

 

“We are fortunate to have devoted state employees that are dedicated to the people of Delaware,” said Governor Carney. “Even after navigating through a really challenging time during the pandemic, they continue to provide an exceptional level of service that keeps our state running well. I’m thrilled to recognize some of our employees with awards thanks to a partnership with our business community. Thank you to all our public servants for their hard work and making Delaware a great state to live and work.”

 

“State employees rock,” said Department of Human Resources Secretary Claire DeMatteis. “They show up day in and day out no matter how difficult the job, demonstrating grit, grace, determination and compassion. I am proud to be a state employee and serve alongside so many committed professionals.”

 

During Public Service Recognition Week, individuals and teams of state employees will be honored for their excellence and commitment to public service during the 2022 calendar year. This includes recognizing employees who identified creative new ways to provide state services, as well as those who exhibited acts of heroism and courage.

 

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

 

• Tuesday, May 9 – Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service
• Wednesday, May 10 – Governor’s Team Excellence Award (Commitment Award, Champions Award)
• Thursday, May 11 – GEAR P3 Innovation & Efficiency Award and GEAR P3 Trailblazer Award
• Friday, May 12 – Delaware Award for Heroism

 

Recognition videos will premiere each day at 11:00 a.m. on youtube.com/johncarneyde.

 

Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service Award

The Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service Award is presented to up to five State of Delaware employees, or small groups of up to five employees, who exemplify the highest standards of excellence and commitment in state service.

 

Recipients of the 2022 award are:

• Angela Foraker, Department of Health and Social Services
• Nadeim Ghoryani, Department of Technology and Information
• Robin Jenkins, Judicial Branch
• Lisa Tingle, Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families
• Linda Velott, Department of Finance

 

Governor’s Team Excellence Awards

This award category includes the GEAR P3 Innovation & Efficiency Award; Champions Award; and Commitment Award. The Governor’s Team Excellence Awards, presented annually to a team of six to 20 state employees, encourages teamwork by recognizing groups of state employees for their efforts to use continuous quality improvement tools to excel in leadership, team dynamics and communication to produce superior customer service and tangible results.

 

Commitment Award

This award recognizes teams that demonstrate a commitment to developing and applying quality improvement tools and techniques and achieving results that lead to continuous improvement in their organization. The recipients of this year’s award are:

• Shoreline and Waterway Management Section-Beach Crew – Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
• Consumer Reporting Form Re-Platforming Team – Department of Health and Social Services
• DMV on the Go – Department of Transportation

 

Champions Award

This award recognizes teams that demonstrate a superior knowledge of continuous quality improvement techniques, produce tangible results, and increase efficiencies, customer satisfaction, or cost savings. Recipients of this year’s award are:

 

• Bridge Buprenorphine Induction Program Team – Department of Health and Social Services
• Gun Violence Intervention Delaware Operations Team – Department of Health and Social Services; Department of Correction; Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families; Department of Safety and Homeland Security; and Department of Justice
• Casho Mill Road Clankers Team – Department of Transportation

 

GEAR P3 Innovation & Efficiency Award

This top award honors teams that not only use continuous improvement tools to achieve outstanding results but also develop innovative designs and processes, establish best practices, and produce verifiable results that are sustainable, scalable, and adaptable to other areas of government. These teams serve as clear role models for other organizations. The recipients of this year’s award are:

 

• Restore the Corridor Team – Department of Transportation
• Delaware Relief Rebate Team – Department of Finance

 

GEAR P3 Trailblazer Award

The GEAR P3 Trailblazer Award provides special recognition for individuals or small teams of employees who implement projects that increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of State government. These recipients are acknowledged for using continuous improvement tools to develop innovative processes, establish best practices, and produce verifiable results that are impactful, sustainable, and adaptable to other areas of government.

 

Recipients of the 2022 award are:

• Brian Calio, Department of Health and Human Services
• DLC Portal Team, Department of Human Resources – Darlene Hicken-Gott, Ashley Kavanagh and James Robinson
• Tonia Muncey, Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families
• Larry Trunfio, Department of Human Resources
• James T. Vaughn American Correctional Association Accreditation Team – Department of Correction – Kara Austin, Renee Gutowski Chelsey Pernic, Damaris Slawik, and Michael Trader

 

The GEAR P3 Trailblazer Award and the GEAR P3 Innovation and Efficiency Award were made possible through the support of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board and a Public-Private Partnership (P3) between the State of Delaware and the Delaware business community. Private sector contributors include Bank of America, Corporation Service Company (CSC), Delmarva Power, Highmark BCBS Delaware, JP Morgan Chase Bank, M&T Bank, The Precisionists Inc. (TPI), W.L. Gore & Associates, and WSFS Bank.

 

“As chairman of the Governor’s Efficiency & Accountability Review (GEAR) P3 Taskforce for Governor Carney’s GEAR initiative, I am thrilled that the private sector, with the strong backing of the Delaware Business Roundtable and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, has partnered again with The State of Delaware on the Public-Private Partnership (P3) Governor’s Innovation & Efficiency, and Trailblazer Awards. This program is a terrific step toward better government, and in recognizing state employees and teams on outstanding accomplishments,” said Ernie Dianastasis, CEO of The Precisionists (TPI).

 

Delaware Award for Heroism

The Delaware Award for Heroism, established in 2013, recognizes state employees for acts of heroism and courage. The 2022 recipients are:

 

• Van Adams and Trevor McColley, Department of Transportation
• Jeffrey Hansen and Timothy McCrary, Department of Correction

 

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