WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday announced several nominations to key leadership and cabinet positions, including:

• Josette Manning as Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS);
• Steve Yeatman as Secretary of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF);
• Greg Lane as Chief Information Officer, leading the Department of Technology and Information (DTI); and
• Robert Coupe to serve as Marijuana Commissioner, overseeing implementation of Delaware’s marijuana legalization law and industry regulation.

The Delaware Senate is expected to consider Governor Carney’s nominations this month.

“We’ve been lucky to have talented public servants throughout state government, and I know this group of nominees will continue to work hard to make Delaware an even better place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Governor Carney. “I want to thank all the nominees for stepping up and agreeing to serve, and I look forward to the Senate considering their nominations.”

Molly Magarik, who has served as Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) since July 2020 and led the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, will step down from her position next month. Magarik previously served as Deputy Secretary for DHSS. Before joining DHSS, Secretary Magarik served as State Director for then Congressman John Carney and Political Director for Attorney General Beau Biden.

Josette Manning, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF), will be nominated to replace Magarik. Manning has led DSCYF since 2017 and previously was a prosecutor at the Delaware Department of Justice for 17 years, prosecuting crimes from misdemeanors to capital murder. She served as Director of the Special Victims Unit, overseeing the prosecution of all child abuse, child death, and sex crime cases statewide.

Steve Yeatman, the Deputy Secretary at DSCYF, will be nominated to replace Manning. Over 26 years at the Department, Yeatman has served as Chief Policy Advisor and Deputy Director of the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services. Yeatman served as a First Sergeant in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, retiring from military service in 2010.

“I’ve worked with Molly for over two decades, and during that time I’ve relied on her relentless work ethic, her commitment to principle, and her command of the facts, to help me serve the people of our state,” said Governor Carney. “Her compassionate leadership and good judgment were never on greater display than when she took the helm of DHSS at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Molly’s service made us all better, and I’ll always be grateful for the many years she spent on our team.’

“Josette’s time leading DSCYF has been marked by a steady, no-nonsense approach, in one of the most difficult jobs in state government. She’s a problem-solver, and she doesn’t shy away from the most difficult challenges, and I know she’ll bring that same approach to leading our state’s largest agency.’

“Steve has dedicated his career to DSCYF, and there’s no one better suited to take the reins. I’m confident he will continue to manage the department skillfully and continue the good work already underway.”

Jason Clarke, who has served as Chief Information Officer at the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) since January 2021, will step down from his position at the Department for a position in the private sector. Clarke has led the state’s digital modernization efforts, as well as efforts to expand high-quality broadband service to every Delawarean. During his 16 years at DTI, Clarke has served as Team Leader, Chief of Policy and Communications, and Chief Operating Officer.

Greg Lane, the Chief Technology Officer at DTI since 2017, will be nominated to replace Clarke. Lane previously served as CIO at the Chemours Company and CIO and in various IT Director roles at E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company. Before those roles, Lane was CIO for DuPont Crop Protection.

“Jason has been a steady leader of DTI for many years, most recently serving as CIO. He has been integral to expanding broadband across our state, implementing technologies that allowed us to navigate the pandemic, from remote work to state services being available online. He will be missed in the Department, on the Family Services Cabinet Council, and in the Cabinet,” said Governor Carney. “I am confident Greg will continue the important technology initiatives going on in the Department. His experience in the public and private sector will help push the projects forward.”

Governor Carney also announced Monday that will nominate Robert Coupe as Marijuana Commissioner, within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS). Coupe currently serves as Chief of Staff at DTI. With more than 35 years of State service, Coupe has served as Chief of Staff at the Delaware Department of Justice, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Commissioner of the Delaware Department of Correction, and Colonel of the Delaware State Police.

“As I’ve said before, there are few people across our state who are more well-respected, and more committed to serving the people of Delaware, than Rob Coupe,” said Governor Carney. “He’s exactly the right person to take on this new challenge.”

WILMINGTON, Del. –  Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued the following statement on Senate confirmations of Cabinet officials to lead the Department of Human Resources (DHR) and the Department of Education (DOE).

“I want to thank members of the Delaware Senate for their thoughtful consideration of these two important Cabinet nominations,” said Governor Carney. “Both Claire and Mark will bring years of experience and commitment to public service that will benefit all Delawareans. I look forward to continuing to work with these two in their new positions.”

Claire DeMatteis was confirmed by the Senate as the next Secretary of the Department of Human Resources (DHR). In her current position as Special Assistant to Governor Carney, DeMatteis oversees management of federal stimulus funding received by the State of Delaware, and assists with crisis management projects across state government. DeMatteis previously served as Commissioner of the Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) from 2019-2021, as Special Assistant to Governor Carney overseeing reforms to Delaware’s corrections system, and in a senior role at the Delaware Department of Labor (DOL). 

Mark Holodick was confirmed by the Senate as Secretary of the Department of Education (DOE). Last year, Holodick joined the Delaware Academy for School Leadership at the University of Delaware, where he leads coaching and professional development programs for principals and other school and district leaders. He had been Superintendent of the Brandywine School District since 2009, overseeing 16 schools with more than 10,000 students. Previously, Holodick was principal at Concord High School and at a blended middle and high school in the Delmar School District. Holodick was named Administrator of the Year in 2016 by the Delaware Association of Educational Office Professionals and Superintendent of the Year in 2017 by the Delaware Chief School Officers Association.

Click here to view Dr. Holodick’s initial press announcement.

Click here to view Claire DeMatteis’ initial press announcement.

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WILMINGTON, Del. –  Governor John Carney on Friday announced that Amy Bonner, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Human Resources (DHR), will leave her position next month to pursue another opportunity.

Dr. Jessilene Corbett, Deputy Secretary of DHR, will serve as Acting Secretary until a replacement is nominated and confirmed by the Delaware Senate.

“Amy has a long record of distinguished service in state government and has served the people of Delaware well. That’s been especially true throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented unprecedented challenges for our state workforce,” said Governor Carney. “We’ll miss Amy’s leadership and expertise in the Cabinet, but wish her well in her next role.”

Bonner has accepted a position with the Caesar Rodney School District.

Prior to her Senate confirmation as DHR Secretary, Bonner served as Deputy Director of the Delaware Office of Management and Budget (OMB), where she oversaw financial operations, information technology and human resources.

Previously, Bonner served for five years as the Deputy Director for the Division of Human Resources Management, where she directed employment services, Equal Employment Opportunity, and policy development for the division.

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Director Anas Ben Addi is leaving for Chief Financial Officer position at Delaware State University

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday announced he will nominate Eugene Young, Jr., currently the President and CEO of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League (MWUL), as the next Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA).

The Delaware Senate is expected to consider Governor Carney’s nomination on June 23. If confirmed by the Senate, Young would replace Director Anas Ben Addi, who has led Delaware’s housing and community development agency since 2009 and is leaving to become Chief Financial Officer at Delaware State University.

“I know Eugene well and I know he’s committed to strengthening the City of Wilmington and communities across Delaware, which is at the core of DSHA’s mission,” said Governor Carney. “He is the ideal candidate to take on this position and I’m confident he will build on progress to make affordable, safe housing accessible for all Delawareans. I also want to thank Director Ben Addi, who led DSHA through the foreclosure crisis in 2009 and has broadened the agency’s mission to include community and economic development efforts statewide. His leadership will be missed, and we wish him well at DSU.”

Young has served as President and CEO of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League since 2017. He also founded the grassroots organizing nonprofit Network Delaware, served as an aide in the Delaware General Assembly, and also as an aide to former Mayor and current U.S. Senator Cory Booker.

“I am truly thankful for the opportunity to serve our state in this important role,” said Eugene Young, Jr. “As we continue to work our way out of this pandemic, accessible and affordable housing will be critical in our recovery. I look forward to working with the legislature, community, and key stakeholders to carry on the great work of Director Ben Addi and the incredible DSHA team.”

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Delaware as Director of DSHA for the last 12 years, and I am incredibly proud of the work our dedicated team at DSHA has accomplished during my tenure,” said Director Ben Addi. “I’m excited to take on this new challenge as Chief Financial Officer with Delaware State University and look forward to helping advance the mission of the university as a center for teaching, research and public service.”

Ben Addi was confirmed as Director of DSHA by the Delaware Senate in January 2009. During his time as Director, Ben Addi broadened the agency’s community development work, overseeing the Strong Neighborhoods Housing Fund to assist blighted neighborhoods statewide after the foreclosure crisis. He also oversaw the creation of the Downtown Development Districts program, which incentivizes investments in downtown areas statewide.

Previously, he served as Housing Finance Director for the agency, overseeing mortgage finance and affordable housing finance programs.

“Anas Ben Addi is an exceptionally talented public servant,” said Dr. Tony Allen, President of Delaware State University. “He has used his vast experience in housing finance and planning and community development to transform the lives of the tens of thousands of Delawareans. He was not simply a cabinet secretary for two Governors. Anas is a solutions-driven leader who thinks holistically about culture, community, and people. I could not be more pleased to have him join our leadership team as the University’s Chief Financial Officer and am looking forward to working with him for years to come.”

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Cohan transformed the Division of Motor Vehicles before leading largest-ever capital program as DelDOT Secretary

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday announced the retirement of Jennifer Cohan, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation, following 31 years of service to the State of Delaware.

Cohan will serve through October, when she will join Leadership Delaware as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

“Secretary Cohan has been a tremendous asset to our team and to the State of Delaware for more than 30 years,” said Governor Carney. “Jen modernized the Division of Motor Vehicles as the first woman to ever lead the division, and oversaw the development of the state’s largest-ever public infrastructure program as DelDOT secretary. Her experience, intellect and depth of knowledge about how state government works will not easily be replaced. Jen also has a unique ability to lift the spirits of those around her and rally a team around a common cause. We will miss her in state government. But I’m positive she will continue to do great work on behalf of the people of Delaware.”

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Delaware for the last 31 years,” said Secretary Cohan. “I am excited to take on this new challenge as CEO of Leadership Delaware to help grow our state’s up-and-coming leaders.”

Governor Carney intends to nominate Deputy DelDOT Secretary Nicole Majeski to replace Cohan. The Delaware Senate must confirm Governor Carney’s nomination.

Majeski has served as the Deputy Secretary for DelDOT since 2011. Previously, Majeski worked for New Castle County government, serving as Chief of Staff to then-County Executive Chris Coons. She is a graduate of the University of Delaware. Majeski lives in Middletown with her husband, Ari Messinger, and their two sons.

“I am truly humbled and incredibly honored to be nominated by Governor Carney as the next Secretary of the Department of Transportation,” said Majeski. “I am grateful to the Governor for the trust and faith he has in me to lead this agency and to serve in his Cabinet. It has been a privilege to work with Secretary Cohan and I am grateful for her leadership, guidance and for the inspiring way she has led our Department for the past six years with an enthusiastic spirit, a passion for innovation and an incredible commitment to customer service and our employees.”

Cohan was appointed by then-Governor Jack Markell in January 2015 – and confirmed by the Delaware Senate – to lead DelDOT, becoming the third woman to serve as Secretary in the department’s 100-year history. As Secretary, Cohan oversaw the development and execution of the largest roadway infrastructure program in Delaware’s history.

Previously, Cohan served as the Director of the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles for eight years, where she led a transformation of the DMV through investments in technology and a focus on customer service.

Cohan’s state public service career has spanned more than three decades. She previously managed the state’s clean water program at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and worked as a budget analyst for the General Assembly in the Office of the Controller General.

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