Ruth Ann Irwin, BG (Ret.) Sworn in as the U.S. Selective Service System’s Delaware State Director

SMYRNA, Del. – Ruth Ann Irwin, BG (Ret.) on Friday was sworn in as the U.S. Selective Service System’s Delaware State Director by the U.S. Selective Service Acting Director, Craig T. Brown. She was nominated by Delaware Governor John Carney and appointed by Brown. ­­

Irwin will serve as liaison between the Selective Service System and the Governor’s office. She will represent the Governor and the Selective Service Director regarding Agency matters in Delaware.

“With more than three decades of service with the Delaware Army National Guard, Ruth has the experience necessary to carry out the duties of the Delaware State Director for the U.S. Selective Service System,” said Governor Carney. “I was pleased to nominate Ruth, and that she will be the first woman to lead this post. Thank you to Acting Director Brown for appointing Ruth as State Director, and we look forward to our continued partnership.”

“We are extremely pleased with the Governor’s nomination of Ruth to serve as the Delaware State Director and look forward to working together,” said Acting Director Brown. “Her experience will help ensure that Delaware maintains its high registration rate.”

Until 2005, Irwin worked at Alliant Tech Systems (ATK) when she transitioned from the Manager of Industrial Security and Human Resource Supervisor to the full-time Commander of the 31st Weapons of Mass Destruction – Civil Support Team, Delaware Army National Guard.

Irwin’s military career has spanned more than 30 years with the Delaware Army National Guard including a year in Afghanistan. She retired in 2012 from the Delaware National Guard where she was the Director of Operations and Training.

“I am truly honored to be the first woman to serve as Delaware’s State Director for the Selective Service System,” Irwin said. “I’d also like ‘the First State’ to become number one in registration, local board membership and readiness programs. The Agency’s readiness mission serves an important role in our national defense and registration is a key step for all men – especially should they one day seek federal benefits, such as employment or student aid.”

Irwin received a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College and earned two other master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky, in Library and Information Sciences; and Wilmington University, in Human Resources Management.

Irwin splits her time between her home in Bear, Delaware, and her summer home in Ocean View, Delaware. She is married to Peter Fedorkowicz, BG (Ret.), former Director of Logistics, Delaware Army National Guard.

*Federal law requires all male citizens, as well as male non-citizens residing in the U.S., to register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. At 26, a man becomes too old to register. Those who do not comply jeopardize eligibility for numerous federally funded benefits, job training, government employment, and U.S. citizenship for male immigrants.

*The Agency seeks volunteers to serve on Selective Service boards. Interested citizen-volunteers can submit an application available at www.sss.gov. For more information about the Selective Service or to download the Selective Service System’s new Public Service Announcements you may call the Public and Intergovernmental affairs office at (703) 605-4100.


Governor Carney Appoints Special Assistant to Oversee Stimulus Funding, Nominates Department of Correction Commissioner

Governor also nominates replacement for retiring OABC Commissioner John H. Cordrey

WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor John Carney on Friday announced nominations to key administration posts:

Governor Carney will appoint Delaware Correction Commissioner Claire DeMatteis as Special Assistant to the Governor. In the new position, which will not require Senate confirmation, DeMatteis will oversee management of federal stimulus funding received by the State of Delaware, and assist with crisis management projects across state government. DeMatteis has served as Commissioner of the Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) since 2019. Previously, DeMatteis served as Special Assistant to Governor Carney overseeing reforms to Delaware’s corrections system.

Deputy Corrections Commissioner Monroe B. Hudson Jr. will be nominated to replace DeMatteis as Commissioner of DOC. Hudson has served as Deputy Commissioner since 2019. Previously, he served for 31 years in the Delaware State Police, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving as deputy superintendent of Delaware’s largest police agency. The Delaware Senate is expected to consider Hudson’s nomination on June 23.

Governor Carney also will nominate Jacqueline Mette to serve as the next Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner. Mette has served as deputy legal counsel for Governor Carney since 2018. Previously, she served as chief policy adviser for the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families (DSCYF). The Delaware Senate is expected to consider Mette’s nomination on June 23.

Mette would replace Commissioner John H. Cordrey, who is retiring after serving for two decades in the position. Governor Ruth Ann Minner appointed Cordrey as the first Commissioner in 2001. Previously, Cordrey served as an attorney for the majority caucus in the Delaware Senate.

“These are all committed public servants who I’m confident will serve Delaware well,” said Governor Carney. “Together, they have decades of experience in and around state government, and I want to thank them for their willingness to continue serving. I also want to congratulate Jack Cordrey on his well-deserved retirement, and I look forward to the Senate considering our nominees.”

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Governor Carney Nominates Kevin O’Connell as Chief Defender for the State of Delaware

O’Connell would replace Brendan O’Neill who retires May 31

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday nominated Kevin O’Connell to serve as the next Chief Defender for the State of Delaware, leading the Delaware Office of Defense Services (ODS). The Delaware Senate is expected to consider his nomination next week.

“Kevin has the experience, character, and commitment to justice for all Delawareans that is so critical for a public defender,” said Governor Carney. “I’m confident he will be a strong leader of the Office of Defense Services and continue to provide important legal services for those who need it most. I look forward to the Delaware Senate considering his nomination.”

O’Connell has more than 30 years of experience representing indigent criminal clients. He has been with the ODS since 2005, most recently as the head of the New Castle County Division and head of the office’s Superior Court Unit. Prior to that, O’Connell was in private practice. O’Connell is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a founding member of the Delaware Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and Widener University Delaware Law School.

“I am humbled and honored by my nomination, and I am thankful to Governor Carney for his trust and support. Public defenders are on the front lines of the criminal justice system, and my goal is to continue the tradition of supporting ODS employees in their mission to provide unmatched criminal defense representation for their clients,” said Kevin O’Connell. “Under Brendan’s leadership, the ODS has taken tremendous steps to advance indigent defense and I am committed to continuing that work by further promoting a model of holistic defense and by combating systemic racism in the Courts and elsewhere.”

O’Connell would replace Brendan O’Neill, who will retire on May 31, 2021. O’Neill was first appointed by former Governor Jack Markell in 2009.

“Kevin is the epitome of a public defender. He has been in the trenches advocating for clients in the courtroom, but also as an administrative leader providing a keen listening ear to ensure the staff of the ODS are supported in their day-to-day lives. I know the Office will be in talented and capable hands,” said Chief Defender Brendan O’Neill. “I’m excited to see the future of the Office of Defense Services for not just our staff, but also our clients.”

Click here to view photo.

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Governor Carney Announces Retirement of DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan After 31 Years of State Service

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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Governor Carney Announces Judicial Nominations

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday announced his intention to nominate Mark Conner as Superior Court Judge in Sussex County, Monica Horton as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in New Castle County, and Rae Mims as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Sussex County.

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

“Each of the nominees has a unique perspective, as well as the judgment and knowledge necessary to serve Delaware well as members of our world-class judiciary,” said Governor Carney. “I look forward to the Senate considering their nominations.”

Mark Conner, Superior Court, Sussex County:

Since July 2016, Mark Conner has served as the managing attorney for the Office of Conflicts Counsel for Sussex County within the Office of Defense Services. During his time in this position, he represented criminal defendants in the Superior Court, the Court of Common Pleas, the Family Court, and the Justice of the Peace Court. Conner has previous experience as a Deputy Attorney General at the Delaware Department of Justice in both the Criminal Division and Civil Division, as well as in the Public Defender’s Office. Between 2007-2016, Conner served as an adjunct professor at Delaware Technical and Community College and Wilmington University, teaching courses on business law and criminal law and procedure.

A graduate of Wilmington Friends School, Conner earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Dickinson College, and his law degree from Widener University School of Law.

Conner would replace Judge Scott Bradley, who retired May 1, 2020, on the Superior Court in Sussex County.

Monica Horton, Court of Common Pleas, New Castle County:

Since 2016, Monica Horton has served as a Deputy Attorney General in the Delaware Department of Justice, where she is the head of the Health Law Unit in the Civil Division and provides general counsel to the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. Horton’s public and private legal experience includes serving as an Assistant County Attorney for New Castle County, as an Associate Attorney for Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, and as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Family Court.

From 2000-2009 and again from 2014-2016, Horton, who is also a registered nurse, attended to obstetrical patients in the labor and delivery department of Christiana Care.

Horton earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Delaware. Horton earned her law degree from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law.

Horton would replace Judge John Welch, who will retire on June 30, 2020, on the Court of Common Pleas in New Castle County.

Rae Mims, Court of Common Pleas, Sussex:

As a Deputy Attorney General in the Delaware Department of Justice since 2007, Rae Mims has experience on a wide range of matters, and has represented the Delaware Department of Correction, the State Board of Education, the Delaware State Police, and the Division of Public Health. During her time as a Deputy Attorney General, Mims also oversaw criminal adult felony prosecutions in the Superior Court, and prosecuted misdemeanor cases in the Family Court, the Justice of the Peace Court, and the Court of Common Pleas. Additionally, Mims has experience in private practice as an Associate with Binder & Binder in Philadelphia, and was an Assistant District Attorney in Bucks County, PA. Previously, Mims served as an assistant to the City Manager of Longmont, CO, and was an acting regional manager for the Peace Corps in Boston.

Mims earned her Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Maryland, a Master of Public Administration in not-for-profit management from Suffolk University, and her law degree from Widener University School of Law.

Mims would replace Judge Rosemary Betts Beauregard, who retired on April 1, 2020, on the Court of Common Pleas in Sussex County.

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