FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 31, 2026
Media Contact:
Jamie Mangrum
Jamie.Mangrum@delaware.gov

Wilmington, Del. – Governor Matt Meyer today announced Alison McGonigal as the new Acting Secretary of the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF), upon the retirement of former Secretary Steven E. Yeatman.

Secretary Yeatman announced his retirement this month after 30 years of service to Delaware families, across nearly every level of the agency, including being appointed as Deputy Secretary under Governor Carney, and being reappointed by Governor Meyer last year.
Upon the transition of leadership at the agency, Governor Meyer named Alison McGonigal as Acting Secretary, and she will assume the role effective Tuesday, September 1.

“Acting Secretary McGonigal has been a trusted leader within DSCYF, and I have full confidence in her ability to guide the Department through this transition, given her deep commitment to Delaware’s children and families,” said Governor Meyer. “That commitment has been evident throughout her career, and I know it will only grow stronger in this new and important role. I’m grateful for her leadership, and I look forward to continuing our work together to support Delaware’s families.”

Alison has served as DSCYF Deputy Secretary since 2023. With more than 28 years of experience in human services, Alison’s work has focused on juvenile justice reform, program and facility improvements, strategic planning, workforce development and operational excellence. She began her career with DSCYF’s Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services (DYRS) as a case manager at the New Castle County Detention Center, having been promoted several times to eventually become a Division Director from 2017 to 2023.

“I’m honored to serve as Acting Secretary,” said McGonigal. “I care deeply about the Department’s mission, our staff, and the children, youth, and families we serve. I am committed to advancing the important work underway, supporting our dedicated staff, and working collaboratively to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.”

In her role as Acting Secretary, McGonigal will provide administrative oversight of department operations including child welfare, juvenile justice, prevention and behavioral health, student education, and management support services. In partnership with the Governor’s Office, other cabinet secretaries and department leadership, she will align operations, staffing strategies, budget and legislative policy with the Governor’s initiatives and state and department priorities. She also leads the development and implementation of the department’s continuous quality improvement processes to ensure the safety and well-being of children and youth.

Throughout her career, Alison’s work has remained focused on improving services to best support Delaware’s children, youth, and families. She holds a B.S. in Human Services from the University of Delaware.

The Governor’s Office will provide additional details in the coming weeks about naming a permanent successor.

A link to Acting Secretary McGonigal’s bio can be found here: Alison McGonigal. For additional information about the DSCYF, please visit kids.delaware.gov.

WILMINGTON, Del. — The Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF) is proud to announce that Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services (YRS) Director Renee Ciconte has received the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators’ (CJJA) 2026 Outstanding Leadership Award.

Ciconte was announced as this year’s recipient during the CJJA Summer Juvenile Justice Leadership Forum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on August 1. Presented annually, the award recognizes extraordinary leadership to CJJA and the juvenile justice field and a commitment to improving the lives of youth.

Her nomination was supported by state leaders across Delaware, including Governor Matt Meyer, Family Court Chief Judge Michael K. Newell and Christian Kervick, Executive Director of the Delaware Criminal Justice Council. Ciconte is also highly regarded by her colleagues for her leadership and commitment to the youth and staff she serves.

“For more than 20 years, Renee has been a vital part of reshaping Delaware’s juvenile justice system,” said DSCYF Secretary Steven Yeatman. “She continues to focus on best practices, improving outcomes for youth and influencing the next generation of leaders in both our facility and community-based services. Quite simply, our system and the youth we serve are better off because of Renee.”

Ciconte began her career as a juvenile probation officer, where her work with high-risk youth and in Delaware’s detention facilities led to her involvement in juvenile detention reform and the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI). Over the past two decades, Delaware’s juvenile incarceration rate has fallen to less than half of what it was 20 years ago.

Since becoming YRS Director in 2021, Ciconte has continued to focus on rehabilitation and improving outcomes for youth. Under her leadership, YRS uses Performance-based Standards (PbS) data to help guide decisions and improve conditions and programming for youth. These efforts have helped expand access to education, sports, music and skills certifications. Ferris School has also received two national Barbara Allen-Hagen Awards for its work to improve outcomes for youth.

“Renee cares deeply about the young people we serve and the staff who work with them every day,” said DSCYF Deputy Secretary Alison McGonigal. “She has made a difference throughout her career, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognized by her peers for that work.”

YRS has also expanded support to help youth successfully return to their communities. Youth are connected with reentry specialists beginning on their first day in a facility, who continue to work with them upon release. Other initiatives include labor union partnerships that provide skills training and pathways to union membership, as well as opportunities to pursue higher education.

Ciconte and her team have also helped implement Delaware’s Juvenile Civil Citation Program, which gives eligible youth an alternative to arrest while still holding them accountable for their actions. Youth who participate are more than 50% less likely to have future system involvement compared with youth who are arrested and prosecuted for eligible offenses.

Renee Ciconte Biography

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Monday, August 10, 2026

Media Contact:

Jonah Anderson

jonah.anderson@delaware.gov

GOVERNOR MEYER HONORS SECRETARY STEVEN YEATMAN ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO DELAWARE’S CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor Matt Meyer today congratulated Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF) Secretary Steven E. Yeatman on his retirement after 30 years of dedicated public service to the State of Delaware, recognizing a career devoted to improving the lives of children, youth, and families.

Secretary Yeatman, who has served as DSCYF Secretary since June 2023, will retire effective August 31 after three decades of service across nearly every level of the department. He was appointed secretary by Governor John Carney after serving as deputy secretary beginning in 2017 and was reappointed by Governor Meyer in January 2025.

“There are few people who dedicate an entire career to serving others with the consistency, humility and compassion that Steve Yeatman has,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “For three decades, he has been a steadfast advocate for Delaware’s children and families and a trusted leader through some of the most difficult moments they face. I am deeply grateful for his service, proud to have worked alongside him, and wish him every happiness in this well-earned next chapter.”

“It has been an absolute privilege to serve Governor Matt Meyer and the children and families of Delaware in this position,” said Secretary Steve Yeatman. “Over the last 30 years, I have witnessed firsthand how one person can make a positive difference in the lives of others in our state. I look forward to joining the team at Bayhealth and furthering their mission of strengthening the health of our community, one life at a time.”

Throughout his career, Yeatman served in front-line, supervisory and managerial roles across every division within DSCYF, including as deputy director of the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services before becoming deputy secretary and later Cabinet secretary.

Governor Meyer thanked Yeatman for his leadership during two administrations and his decades of service to Delaware’s most vulnerable children and families, noting that his steady leadership, integrity and commitment to public service have helped strengthen the department and improve the lives of countless Delawareans.

In announcing his retirement to colleagues, Yeatman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated public servants throughout his career and confidence in the department’s future.

Yeatman also simultaneously served in the United States Army Reserve and the Pennsylvania National Guard, earning several military honors, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.

The Meyer administration will announce plans for the department’s future leadership at a later date.

###

The Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families announced the appointment of Sarah Azevedo as Director of its Division of Family Services, following the retirement of longtime Director Trenee Parker after 30 years of dedicated service.

Azevedo has more than 27 years of experience with DFS and has served in a variety of frontline and leadership roles across investigation, treatment, adolescent services, and administration. Throughout her career, she has helped lead innovative efforts to strengthen Delaware’s child welfare system, including the development of Family Assessment and Intervention Response (FAIR), Delaware’s first Differential Response program and one of the first of its kind in the nation,  and, most recently, the launch of Pathway One, a prevention-focused pilot designed to connect families with support before crisis occurs.

“We are grateful to Trenee for her extraordinary service and lasting impact on Delaware’s children and families,” said Steve Yeatman, Secretary of DSCYF. “I have complete confidence that Sarah’s leadership will move DFS forward. She has dedicated her career to this work, and recommending her as the next DFS Director was one of the easiest decisions I’ve had to make.”

Since being appointed Deputy Director in 2025, Azevedo has provided operational oversight for the division, managed statewide initiatives, and represented DFS on numerous multidisciplinary committees and workgroups focused on child safety, prevention, and best practices. As Director, she will continue guiding the division’s efforts to strengthen families, advance prevention-focused services, and improve outcomes for Delaware’s children.

Photo attached: Sarah Azevedo

About DSCYF

The Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families engages families and communities to promote the safety and well-being of children through prevention, intervention, treatment, and rehabilitative services. The department includes four divisions: Family Services, Prevention and Behavioral Health Services, Youth Rehabilitative Services, and Management Support Services. For more information, please visit kids.delaware.gov.

Media contact: Karen Smith, karen.m.smith@delaware.gov

Celebrating Employee Creativity and Encouraging Connection and Innovation

 

Statewide, Del. (March 24, 2026) – Every day, Delawareans rely on state employees – people who maintain public spaces, support families, protect public health, manage resources, and keep essential services moving. The Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition offers a different way to meet the public workforce: through the creative work of employees and their immediate family members, showcased for the community in a free public exhibition.

Hosted by the Delaware Division of the Arts, the 15th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition was presented February 23 through March 20, 2026, at the Arts Center/Gallery at Delaware State University in Dover, celebrating the artistic talent and personal stories that exist across state government.

With an impressive 221 submissions from State of Delaware employees and their immediate family members, the exhibition provided a platform to celebrate creativity, recognize artistic excellence, and highlight the diverse talents within the state workforce.

The winners were officially announced on March 8, 2026, at a special awards ceremony held at the Delaware State University Arts Center/Gallery. The event drew an audience of 400 attendees, including state employees, family members, and community supporters. Attendees heard from Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay, Delaware Division of the Arts Director Jessica Ball, and Deputy Director Kristin Pleasanton, who all shared inspiring remarks about the importance of the arts in fostering creativity, connection, and innovation within the state workforce.

“State employees serve Delaware with skill and dedication every day,” said Jessica Ball, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “This year’s exhibition highlighted another strength of our workforce: creativity. The State Employee Art Exhibition celebrates the artists and makers who are part of state government, and it invites the public to see the imagination, perspective, and craft that exists across our agencies and families.”

“When you create a space for people to share their work, you build connection and pride—and that is exactly what we saw throughout this year’s exhibition,” said Kristin Pleasanton, Deputy Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “From youth and teen entries to professional-level work, the range of talent on display was remarkable, and we are grateful to everyone who participated and made this a welcoming, community-centered celebration.”

“Our state workforce is made up of whole people—with talents, passions, and stories that extend beyond the workplace,” said Secretary Yvonne Anders-Gordon, Secretary of Delaware Department of Human Resources. “Celebrating creativity through opportunities like this strengthens connection, belonging, and wellbeing across our agencies, and it reminds us that innovation is fueled by the people who serve Delaware.”

The exhibition was more than just a competition; it was a showcase of artistic passion and innovation. Through a range of mediums—painting, photography, sculpture, works on paper, craft, and mixed media—participants demonstrated the power of visual storytelling. Beyond the awards, the event fostered a sense of community, underscoring the importance of the arts in professional and personal life.

Awards included Best of Show, an Art Education Award, three Governor’s Choice Awards, People’s Choice Awards (online and in-person), and additional recognitions across professional, intermediate, amateur, teen, and youth categories.

New this year, Governor Matt Meyer recognized three Governor’s Choice winners—one from each county (Kent, New Castle, and Sussex). Each Governor’s Choice recipient will receive a formal award, and their selected artwork will be displayed in the Governor’s Office for the year, showcasing the creativity of Delaware’s public workforce in one of the state’s most visible public spaces.

Photo Galleries Available:

• 2026 Exhibition Photos (Joe del Tufo, Moonloop Photography)
• 2026 Winners Event Photos (Jim Coarse, Moonloop Photography)
• Individual Pieces of Artwork
• 2026 Gallery Booklet

 

2026 Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition Winners:

 

Best of Show ($400): Thomas Del Porte – Ineffabilis Colloquium, Academia Charter School, Wilmington

Art Education Award ($200): Ethan Egloff – Heisenberg, Appoquinimink School District, Middletown

 

Governor’s Award:

New Castle: Tom Livingstone – Big Monster, Department of Justice, Newark

Kent: Nancy Wheeler – Springtime Splendor, Adult Education Resources, Smyrna

Sussex: Kristen Corbi – Overwhelmed, Cape Henlopen School District, Harbeson

 

People’s Choice Award:

Online: Amanda Colton – Jojo, Brandywine School District, Wilmington

In-Person: Christopher Foster – Family, Department of Health and Social Services, Magnolia

 

Special Awards:

Portrait: Taylor Gordon – TBABW (To Be a Black Woman), Smyrna School District, New Castle

Animal: Trudi Costa – Intensity, Caesar Rodney School District, Dover

Landscape: Cyndi Holbrook – January 2026, Red Clay School District, North East

Group Scene: Sharif Sadiq – En Plein Air, Department of State Housing Authority

Fantasy: Sarah Pohlman – Sent From a Tin Can and a Tangled Piece of String, Red Clay School District, Hockessin

America 250^th Award: John Guthrie – Eagle Dance, Department of Transportation, Dover

 

Professional Category:

First Place ($350): Rick Burrow – Vacuum Row, Sussex Academy of Arts and Sciences, Dover

Second Place ($250): Kiley Chafin – Time’s Delusion, Delaware Tech Stanton Campus, Dover

Third Place ($150): Amy Bandy – Amber Horizons, Indian River School District, Milton

Honorable Mention: Grume Abraham – Alkebulan (Mother of Mankind), Department of Transportation, Newark

Honorable Mention: Derek Carlson – Sparrow, Department of Transportation, Dover

Honorable Mention: Ainsley Fischer – Seafoam and Pearls, Christina School District, Newark

Honorable Mention: Cindy Morris – The World of Her Own, Red Clay School District, Hockessin

Honorable Mention: Chad Cortez Everett – May the Jawn Be With You, Red Clay School District, Landenberg

 

Intermediate Category:

First Place ($350): Logan Farro – Drinks With Old Friends, Department of Child Support Services, Farmington

Second Place ($250): Cassie Hilliard – Soha ne felejtsd el! (Never Forget!), Caesar Rodney School District, Magnolia

Third Place ($150): Kristina Levering – Private Storm, Caesar Rodney School District, Dover

Honorable Mention: Q Hernandez – No Matter Where You Go, There You Are, Division of Legislative Services, Dover

Honorable Mention: Elyse Crowe-McGuinness – A Study of the Hand, Academia Charter School, New Castle

Honorable Mention: Emma Denneny – Path, Appoquinimink School District, Middletown

 

Amateur Category:

First Place ($350): Akeana Boyd-Douglas – Jewel Tones Luminary, Delaware State Police, Townsend

Second Place ($250): Paul Solano – Moose at Mount Denali, Department of Agriculture, Lewes

Third Place ($150): Adrienne Livingstone – Fortitude, Department of Justice, Newark

Honorable Mention: Cynthia Westhoff – A Taste of Spring, Appoquinimink School District, Smyrna

Honorable Mention: McKenzie Lavoie – Dread Within Beauty, Justice of the Peace Court, Bear

Honorable Mention: Ben Ables – Molly’s Rise & Shine, Indian River School District, Georgetown

 

Teen Category:

First Place ($150): Leah Cooper – Sweet Comfort, Department of Finance, Milford

Second Place ($100): Julie Pent – Outskirts of Paris, Lake Forest School District, Camden

Third Place ($50): Elly Wendel – Stitches, Red Clay School District, Wilmington

Honorable Mention: Bella Burgett – Paintings With Ranger, Lake Forest School District, Magnolia

Honorable Mention: Evie Sierra – Flutter, Smyrna School District, Clayton

Honorable Mention: Kayla McClure – Ozempig, Department of Corrections, Smyrna

 

Youth Category:

First Place ($150): Tom Livingstone – Big Monster, Department of Justice, Newark

Second Place ($100): Zoey Cooper – Chickie, Red Clay Early Intervention Program, Newark

Third Place ($50): Mia Truscott – The Dolphin, Department of State, Springfield

Honorable Mentions: Noelle Rambo – The Hammerhead Shark of the Blue Sea, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Harrington

Honorable Mentions: Emily Dallas – Elephant Dish, Delaware Military Academy, Newark

Honorable Mentions: Mary-Jeanne Fennemore – Eyes, Department of Corrections, Middletown

Honorable Mentions: Stephen Douglas III – Oak & Black Walnut Pencil Holder, Delaware State Police, Townsend

Honorable Mentions: Mariano Barrios – Patterned Landscape, Appoquinimink School District, Townsend

 

##

About the Delaware Division of the Arts
The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

About the National Arts Program

At the National Arts Program, we empower organizations across the country to host art exhibitions that showcase the creativity of their employees and families. By fostering a strong and inclusive community that builds confidence, encourages risk-taking, and values self-expression, we grow and strengthen workplaces and communities. We ensure that creativity is recognized and validated, sometimes for the first time, with prizes, scholarships, and awards programs. Learn more at https://nationalartsprogram.org/.

Photos by Moonloop Photography

 

Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov