Wilmington, DE—Today, Delaware Governor-elect Matt Meyer announced his intention to nominate Shanté Hastings as Secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT).

“As a 25-year veteran of the Delaware Department of Transportation, Shanté knows how to keep people and goods moving safely across Delaware,” Governor-elect Meyer said. “Her institutional knowledge and expertise will be essential as we invest in Delaware’s infrastructure and continue building bikeable and walkable communities.”

In her current role as Deputy Secretary and Chief Engineer for the Delaware Department of Transportation, Shanté Hastings implements the Department’s $600 million annual Capital Transportation Program and supports the Secretary with agency operations. She also serves as the Department’s liaison with the Federal Highway Administration.

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

Shanté Hastings, Nominee, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation

Shanté A. Hastings, P.E., is the soon-to-be Acting Secretary for the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and has worked for DelDOT since graduating from the University of Delaware in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. She has served as the chief engineer for the Department since July 1, 2019, and as Deputy Secretary from January 2021 – December 2024.

Shanté is responsible for implementing the Department’s more than $600 million annual Capital Transportation Program. As deputy secretary, she is also involved with personnel management, legislation, and national transportation policy. She serves as Chair of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Innovation Management Committee, Chair of the AASHTO Committee on Design, and Vice Chair of the AASHTO Committee on Transportation System Operations.

In 2013, Shanté was awarded the Young Engineer of the Year Award by the Delaware Engineering Society in recognition of her work in the field of engineering and community service. In 2024, she was named Government Engineer of the Year by the Delaware Engineering Society. She currently serves on the boards for Leadership Delaware, the Delaware State Fair, the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, and Sussex Academy Charter School. In May 2024, she was nominated and confirmed to the University of Delaware Board of Trustees.

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.

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday issued the following statement on the Delaware Senate’s confirmation of the nominations to the Delaware River and Bay Authority, Delaware State Board of Education, Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board, Professional Standards Board, the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association and the Judiciary.

“I want to thank the members of the Delaware Senate for confirming today’s nominees,” said Governor Carney. “From serving in our world-class judiciary to contributing to education, health care, and the Delaware River and Bay Authority, I look forward to the impact these highly qualified individuals will make.”

Those confirmed are:

Honorable Bonnie W. David as Vice Chancellor of the Court of Chancery
Judge Eric M. Davis as Judge of the Superior Court
Judge Paula Terese Ryan as Judge of the Family Court
Commissioner Paraskevi K. Wolcott as Commissioner of the Family Court
Commissioner Sonja Truitt Wilson as Commissioner of the Family Court
Joseph Spagnolo as Justice of the Peace

Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board

Richard Geisenberger
Heath Chasanov
Thomas Brown
David Singleton
Devona Williams

Delaware River and Bay Authority

Michael Houghton

State Board of Education

James Simmons

Professional Standards Board

Benjamin Black

Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association

Rev. J. Christian Beretta
Bradley Bley
Jay Bastianelli
Freeman Williams
Kristin DeGregory
Trisha Stiles
Kathleen Kenney
Amber Hickman-Taylor
Chad Jones

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Saturday released the following statement:

OMB Director Cerron Cade is being placed on paid administrative leave due to a personal legal matter. Governor Carney has named OMB Deputy Director Courtney Stewart as Acting OMB Director. While on administrative leave, the Department of Human Resources will conduct a review to determine if there is a violation of the state employee standard of conduct policy.

“Cerron has been a dedicated member of my team for years, so this is obviously a disappointment and a surprise. I am hopeful he can work through this challenge and return to his career in public service.”

Tanny Washington, Mayor Purzycki’s chief of staff, has agreed to stay on as chief of staff for the City of Wilmington while this matter is resolved.

Presidential Daughter Ashley Biden joined Governor John Carney, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin (right) and DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation Ray Bivens Dec. 13 for the rededication of the newly-renovated Biden Environmental Center at Cape Henlopen State Park. The namesake center after President Joe Biden has undergone a $15 million capital improvement-funded transformation to become a first-rate destination for environmental education, with classroom space that provides opportunities for lab work associated with marine ecosystems and indoor learning during inclement weather. The center also is now a place where groups gather for the day or overnight stay in a welcoming space to learn and experience the diverse coastal landscape of Cape Henlopen State Park. /DNREC photo: Errol Ebanks.

Governor John Carney and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, along with President Joe Biden’s daughter Ashley and other dignitaries today rededicated the newly-renovated Biden Environmental Center at Cape Henlopen State Park. Formerly used by the U.S. Navy Reserve for training, the 1960s-era structure has been modernized and updated by DNREC to meet current safety standards and accessibility requirements.

“President Biden’s foresight when he served as Delaware’s U.S. Senator to preserve this federal surplus land, including multiple buildings and bunkers, opened a world of possibilities for not only public recreation, but also environmental programs, training and retreats. It is part of the reason Delaware’s parks have been named the best in the country,” said Governor John Carney. “President Biden’s legacy as a dedicated public servant, compassionate leader, and proud Delawarean will continue to shape the state’s identity for years to come.”

The $15 million Biden Environmental Center capital improvement project was funded through Bond Bill appropriations, and renovations commenced in January 2023. The renovated Biden Environmental Center will be used for DNREC trainings, regional workshops and community-focused events. The classroom space will provide opportunities for lab work associated with marine ecosystems and indoor learning during inclement weather. The center also will be a place where groups gather for the day or overnight in a welcoming space to learn and experience the diverse coastal landscape of Cape Henlopen State Park.

“We are grateful to have a modern facility and amenities that invite environmental groups to collaborate with Cape Henlopen State Park’s natural campus right outside the door here,” DNREC Secretary Garvin said. “The Biden Environmental Center’s exhibits offer its visitors an observation of the past, present and future of the area’s cultural and natural resources that we hope will inspire further stewardship and conservation.”

With the help of then-Sen. Biden, the Biden Environmental Center and adjacent acreage was acquired by the state in the 1990s and converted to a facility for education programs, training and retreats. It was dedicated as the Biden Environmental Training Center in 1998. The facility served as the home of the Residential Environmental Education at Cape Henlopen (REECH) program for students, as well as hosting regional workshops and in-house training for DNREC staff. In 2013, the building was deemed unsafe with its lack of modern safety standards and accessibility. Overnight accommodations were halted, and planning began for an adaptive reuse of the property.

In addition to exterior upgrades, the two-story building now offers a large meeting room that can accommodate 98 people or it can be sectioned off into two rooms that hold 49 people each. It also sleeps 46 people among its 21 guest rooms with private bathrooms, including two ADA-accessible guest suites. A catering kitchen will support functions at the center. For more information about the Biden Environmental Center, call 302-644-5005.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor Carney on Thursday announced that Secretary Nicole Majeski will step down later this month from her current role as the head of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) after thirteen years of service at the Department. Governor Carney has named Deputy Secretary Shanté Hastings as Acting Secretary, and she will take over the duties of the position beginning December 21, 2024.

“The Delaware Department of Transportation impacts every single resident and visitor in our state,” said Governor Carney. “Nicole has been a dedicated and effective public servant and a statewide and national leader in her field. I am grateful for her leadership in making much needed investments in our infrastructure and for spearheading efforts to keep Delawareans safer on our roadways. On a personal level, I’m thankful for her friendship and guidance during my time in public service. Shanté Hastings has been leading these efforts with Nicole, and I am confident she will do an excellent job as Acting Secretary.”

Governor John Carney named Majeski Acting Secretary of the department on November 1, 2020. Majeski was confirmed by the State Senate and sworn in as the 11th Secretary on January 13, 2021.

“It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve as the Secretary of DelDOT for the past four years. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity given to me by Governor Carney to serve in his Administration; to work with the dedicated employees of this department; and serve the citizens of our state,” said Secretary Majeski. “I have always said that DelDOT has the hardest working, most dedicated employees in all of state government. In my 13 years at the department, I have seen this dedication on display countless times. I am proud of the work we have accomplished to make our transportation system one that is safer, focuses on resiliency, considers all modes of transportation, and is improving the quality of life for those that live here.”