Rob Herrera is Founder and Managing Partner of The Mill, Delaware’s largest coworking community, which has grown to more than 100,000 square feet. He is also a partner at 9th Street Development Company (9SDC), where he leads active development projects and architectural design, focusing on mixed-use, multifamily, and historic renovation projects that strengthen communities and support entrepreneurship. A former architect with Perkins Eastman and S9 Architects in New York City, Rob brings deep expertise in design, real estate, and business development to the Delaware Prosperity Partnership Board.

Rodger Levenson is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of WSFS Financial Corporation and its primary subsidiary, WSFS Bank. An active member of the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware communities, his community service spans memberships on the Board of Directors of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, the Delaware Prosperity Partnership Board of Directors and Audit Committee as well as the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. He serves as a member of the CEO Council for Growth, Delaware Business Roundtable, CHOP Executive Committee and the Executive Committee of the Satell Institute for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Governor Matt Meyer is a former public school math teacher and small business owner who served as New Castle County Executive from 2017 through January 2025. As the leader of Delaware’s largest local government, Matt proved that government can still work for the people–delivering real results for real people and making real progress for Delaware’s working families. Governor Meyer will bring that same result-driven leadership across our state by creating an effective government that reflects our values and priorities. 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.

Zakiyyah J. Ali is CEO of the Tech Council of Delaware, where she leads efforts to strengthen Delaware’s tech ecosystem through innovation, workforce development, and policy. With more than 20 years of experience in workforce and human resources leadership, she has built systems to connect businesses with skilled talent while expanding pathways to careers. She previously held leadership roles at The Vanguard Group and the City of Philadelphia and holds a master’s degree in Leadership Development from Pennsylvania State University–Great Valley.

Fayetta M. Blake is the founder and Executive Director of Pathways to Success, Inc. She is also an entrepreneur with several businesses throughout Delaware and Maryland. Fay started her career about forty years ago in the Lending industry with Security Pacific National Bank where she worked as a loan officer for five years. She then enjoyed a 20-year banking career at All First Financial. Fay held various positions of increasing authority at All First Financial. In 1995, she was appointed as Senior Vice President of Operations and was the first African American to be appointed to that level in the banks 200-year history. During that time, she had global oversight of all Operations units in the Mid-Atlantic region. In 1998, Fay was recognized by this banking institution for Quality Assurance as well as being recognized in the industry by Visa USA for Quality Service and Outstanding Customer Service.

Beth G. Brand is Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations for the University of Delaware. In her role, she is responsible for promoting a culture of philanthropy throughout the University community and beyond and for enhancing connections of alumni to their alma mater. A UD alumna herself, she had joined UD in 2007 as associate vice president in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. She later served as Interim Vice President in 2016-17 and was Vice President and University Secretary from 2020 to 2025.

In 2022, Shane Breakie became the Chesapeake Utilities Corporation’s first Environmental Sustainability Officer, a role in which he leads the Company’s environmental sustainability efforts and organic growth initiatives, including the identification and management of emission-reducing projects internally and those that support customers’ sustainability goals. Previously, Shane was appointed Assistant Vice President and then Vice President of Chesapeake Utilities and Sandpiper Energy in 2019, with expanded responsibilities regarding the day-to-day activities of Chesapeake Utilities, Elkton Gas Company, Sandpiper Energy and Florida Public Utilities. In an earlier role as Director of Energy Services for Chesapeake Utilities, Shane was responsible for developing and directing natural gas expansion efforts on the Delmarva Peninsula. He has also held the positions of Director of Consumer Services, Director of Operations, Customer Service Manager and Accounting Manager.

Desa Burton is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and spent 10 years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve. She later earned an M.B.A. from Florida International University and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she served as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of International Economic Law. Prior to coming to Zip Code, she was the Assistant General Counsel of Intellectual Property at InterDigital, Inc., where she served as the senior transactions counsel for research and development, technology innovation and government contracts.

Born in Dover, Representative Bill Bush represents Kent County’s RD 29 and has strong ties to Kent County. A graduate of Caesar Rodney High School, Representative Bush went on to complete his undergraduate work at the University of Delaware and received a law degree from Widener University’s School of Law. He currently operates his own small business and practices as a private attorney. Previously he served as policy advisor of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security actively working with Delaware fire, emergency medical and police services. An active member of the community, Representative Bush served on the Caesar Rodney School Board, Board of Trustees for Delaware Technical Community College, and the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club Board. He has also served on the Modern Maturity Center Board, and the Delaware Emergency Medical Services Oversight Council.

Patrick Callahan is Director at LabWare and serves on the State of Delaware’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence. He has founded several successful companies in digital marketing and data science, including one acquired by LabWare. He also advises Acellus Health, the Data Innovation Lab, and has previously led Delaware’s Science and Technology Committee under the Prosperity initiative. He earned his degree from Drexel University and his law degree from Delaware School of Law.

Ed Capodanno has served as President of Associated Builders and Contractors, Delaware Chapter, and the Construction Education Foundation of Delaware since 1993. He brings decades of experience in workforce training, business advocacy, and construction industry development. He has served on numerous boards and task forces including the Delaware Workforce Investment Board and Governor’s Workers’ Compensation Oversight Panel. Ed is a recognized civic leader and recipient of multiple community service awards.

Malcolm Coley is Founder of ReadyPromptOne, host of Delaware’s first AI Summit, and CTO of Futures First Gaming, an ed-tech and esports company creating career pathways in STEM fields. He co-founded LocNation™, a global online community, and co-launched Spending Black Matters, a digital marketplace promoting economic empowerment. A 2023 Leadership Delaware Fellow and Delaware Business Times Top 40 Under 40 honoree, he serves on the Delaware Workforce Development Board and the Advisory Board for Morgan State University’s Center for Data Analytics.

Since 2017, Tony Edwards has led Integrated Operations around the globe for the Kalrez®, Vespel®, Electronic Polymers, Silicon/Medical and Molykote® product lines. He has held roles at both DuPont and Kodak, among them global plant management and engineering marketing.

Dr. Dan Freeman is the Founding Director of Horn Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware, which engages nearly 10% of UD students annually and supports commercialization and startup activity across the state. Under his leadership, Horn has become nationally ranked and secured more than $25 million in funding. His research and expertise focus on entrepreneurial leadership and innovation-driven economic development.

John Gavenonis is a senior executive with deep experience in business development and technology leadership. He previously served as vice president and general manager of Agilent Technologies’ $1 billion Chemistries and Supplies Division and held multiple senior roles at DuPont in marketing, R&D and manufacturing. John serves on boards in the life sciences, synthetic biology and education sectors, and holds degrees in chemistry from MIT and U.C. Berkeley.

Jeanne Mell is Principal of JMell Communications, advising innovation-focused organizations on strategy, messaging, and impact reporting. She previously held senior leadership roles at OraSure Technologies, the University City Science Center, and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, where she drove economic development, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Jeanne has served on multiple nonprofit and industry boards and has a background in national journalism.

Steve Montgomery is the operating owner of The Starboard Restaurant Group, which includes several successful restaurants in Delaware and Maryland. He is also a board member of County Bank and an active community leader, co-founding Dewey Goes Pink and supporting numerous local charities. With decades of experience in hospitality, business growth, and community engagement, he brings deep ties to Delaware’s coastal economy.

Terry Murphy has been CEO of Bayhealth Inc. and president and CEO of Bayhealth Medical Center Inc. since 2009. He previously was Bayhealth Medical Center executive vice president and CEO and before that had served as vice president of the southern region of Bayhealth Medical Center. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. In 2008, he received the Regent’s Award as a senior-level healthcare executive from the American College of Healthcare Executives. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Belmont Abbey College and a master’s degree in health-services administration from The George Washington University.

Emilie R. Ninan is Co-Chair of Ballard Spahr’s national Finance Department, where she advises governments, nonprofits, and businesses on public and commercial finance. She has extensive experience in structuring and negotiating bond and capital financing transactions that support economic development. Emilie holds a JD/MBA from Georgetown University, is a Fellow of the American College of Bond Counsel, and is recognized nationally as a leader in public finance law.

Senator Brian Pettyjohn represents SD 19, which includes parts of Sussex County. Prior to his current seat in the Delaware State Senate, Senator Pettyjohn served as councilman of Georgetown from 2008-10 and Mayor from 2010-12. Senator Pettyjohn was named as co-chair of the Council of State Government – Eastern Regional Conference (CSG-ERC) Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee and was named a 2022-23 Fellow to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Pretrial Policy program. Senator Pettyjohn is also a member of the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC), which is charged with making the formal projections for Delaware’s revenue on which the state’s budget is based. Continuing in his commitment to his community, Senator Brian Pettyjohn serves on several organizations including the Sussex County STEM Alliance, Sussex Sports Center Foundation, the Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, and The Chad Spicer Foundation. He is an information technology consultant.

Rob Rider graduated from Cornell University and began employment immediately with O. A. Newton & Son Company, a service and solution provider for the agricultural irrigation industry, as well as a materials handling business that is able to convey “difficult-to-handle” raw materials all over the world. After holding various positions in the organization, including Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Sales, and President, he was appointed CEO. Rob currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, as Trustee and Treasurer of The Nature Conservancy Delaware Chapter, as a Trustee of the University of Delaware, and as a Director on the Delaware State Fair Board. He also serves on the Nanticoke Physician Network Board of Directors and is a Member of the Board of Directors for Sussex County Economic Development Action Committee and the Bridgeville Kiwanis Club (Past President). He also is a member of the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Advisory Board.

Lisa Schmidt focuses her practice on advising and representing Delaware corporations, their directors and other constituencies in corporate litigation. She has successfully litigated numerous corporate control, corporate governance, appraisal matters and contractual disputes in the Delaware courts. Lisa also advises corporations, their directors and special committees on corporate governance and fiduciary duties. She co-chairs the Federal Securities Institute. She earned her juris doctor degree from Dickinson School of Law, where she served on the Dickinson Law Review, after earning a bachelor of arts degree from Drew University.

Paula Swain joined Incyte in 2002 and serves as Executive Vice President of Global Human Resources & Facilities. She also chairs the Incyte Charitable Giving Foundation. Before joining the company, she spent nearly 10 years with DuPont, where she served as Vice President and Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources. She also has held positions in human resource planning and employee relations with Chase Manhattan Bank, Marine Midland Bank and Delaware Trust Company. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Rockhurst University and graduated from the Strategic Human Resources Planning program at Harvard Business School.

Whitney Sweeney focuses on environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts, integration and education across several channels, including intermediary, insurance, Canada, US Offshore and Latin America. She builds partnerships across these channels, managing the education and training of advisors and investment professionals, as well as ensuring the understanding of the policy and regulation landscape for each of the regions. Previously, Whitney was with Schroders for 18 years, serving in various roles: most recently as an investment strategist on the intermediary team, focusing on building client relationships, providing market insights and product positioning, and before that as a Portfolio Manager/Client Portfolio Manager for the Municipal team and an Investment Director across US and Global Fixed Income and Securitized Credit.

Dr. Suzanne Sysko Clough is co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of AmalgamRx, a digital health company creating innovative solutions in partnership with life sciences and health systems. A physician and entrepreneur, she co-founded WellDoc, developer of the first FDA-cleared digital therapeutic, and Public Allies Delaware, a leading nonprofit for leadership and workforce development. Her expertise in healthcare innovation and public-private partnerships strengthens Delaware’s innovation economy.

Dr. Kris Vaddi is founder and CEO of Prelude Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing new cancer treatments. He previously served as CEO of Orsenix and held senior scientific leadership roles at Incyte, where he led programs resulting in the FDA approval of Jakafi® and Olumiant®. Dr. Vaddi holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Florida.

Senator Jack Walsh represents SD 9, which includes Christiana and portions of Newark, Pike Creek, Stanton and Newport. A lifelong Delawarean and graduate of St. Mark’s High School, Walsh is an electrician by trade and has been a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 313, for nearly 39 years. From 1993 to 2002, he served on Local 313’s board of directors, its executive board and its political action committee. He also led the union’s Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee from 1996 to 2001. Today, Senator Walsh works as the Executive Director of the Delaware State AFL-CIO.

Rod Ward III is president and chief executive officer of CSC®, elected in 2010. Over his career, Rod worked in manufacturing as president of the Speakman Company and vice president of Snap-On Inc.’s European Equipment division. He worked for FMC Corporation in operations and for Credit Suisse as a precious metals trader. With Delaware’s Governor John Carney, Rod serves as co-chair of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP), a public-private partnership for economic development. He is also currently board chair of Rodel Foundation, a non-profit that advances education, serves on the advisory board of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware, and is a board member of Leadership Delaware, an organization that recruits and mentors young professionals. Ward holds an MBA from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and a B.S. from Middlebury College.

Dr. Cherese Winstead has generated over $8.8 million in funding on projects for which she serves as Principal, co-investigator, or key personnel. Her educational scholarship and research funding partnerships include NIH, NSF, and NASA. Dr. Winstead has worked with numerous local, regional, and national agencies and community-based organizations, revealing an important inter-agency and interdisciplinary approach toward science and educational research. In the area of community service, Cherese is Founder and President of the Young Chemists Society (YCS), a non-profit organization dedicated to the early education of students in the area of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Robert Wittig is Partner at DSM Commercial, bringing more than 35 years of experience in real estate brokerage and development. He has overseen the acquisition and development of more than 1.7 million square feet of commercial property for national and regional retailers. A lifelong Wilmington resident, he has served on nonprofit boards and actively supports community organizations while continuing his family’s legacy in real estate development.

Representative Lyndon Yearick represents RD 34, which includes Camden, Wyoming, Magnolia, and South Dover. He is also House Minority Whip. He has over 20 years of business experience in industries ranging from housing and banking to healthcare and education. Additionally, he holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Penn State University and is a former small business owner. He has also worked as a public school educator, mentoring local elementary school students and serving on advisory committees for both the Caesar Rodney and Polytech school districts. Raised on a dairy farm in upstate Pennsylvania, Representative Yearick is one of the few Delaware legislators who have first-hand agricultural experience, giving him unique insights into the challenges faced by the farming community. He successfully authored legislation creating Delaware Produce Week. The annual observation has worked to link Delaware farmers with local consumers.