Newsbites

Merck Breaks Ground on New Biologics Center

Merck recently announced the start of construction for a $1 billion, 470,000-square-foot state-of-the-art biologics center of excellence in Wilmington, Del.

Merck Wilmington Biotech will comprise laboratory, manufacturing, and warehouse capabilities to enable the launch and commercial production of nextgeneration biologics and therapies, including potent antibody-drug conjugates, reinforcing Merck’s focus on expanding and diversifying its pipeline.

The intent is to establish the site as the future U.S. home for producing KEYTRUDA® for U.S. patients. This is part of a significant investment to not only bring the world’s best-selling medicine closer to the American patients who rely on it, but to also establish a home for the company’s biologics portfolio of products serving U.S. patients.

“The Merck Wilmington Biotech site represents our continued commitment to growing our investments in U.S. manufacturing and has the potential to create thousands of high-paying American jobs while ensuring that we can produce and distribute products close to patients right here in the U.S.,” said Robert M. Davis, chairman and chief executive officer of Merck.

Delaware Public Media Appoints General Manager

Delaware Public Media (DPM) announced the appointment of Tom Interrante as its new general manager/ station director, effective July 7. Interrante succeeded Pete Booker, who retired from the role.

Interrante brings more than a decade of leadership experience in the public media and commercial radio. Since 2011, he has served as the director of underwriting partnerships and revenue development at WXPN in Philadelphia. His previous experience includes roles with Clear Channel Radio, Cox Media (WDBO Newstalk Radio), CBS Radio, WIP Sportsradio, WCAU-TV, and New Jersey Public Television.

“I’m passionate about public media’s role in serving diverse communities and ensuring access to highquality journalism,” said Interrante. “I look forward to collaborating with News Director Tom Byrne, the DPM staff, board of directors, community advisory board, partners, donors, program sponsors, NPR, and communities throughout the state to lead Delaware Public Media into its next chapter. I believe DPM is well-positioned for growth in both membership and underwriting, while continuing to serve as a trusted, essential source for Delaware news coverage, events and programming — on air and online.”

QPS Expands in Delaware Technology Park

A globally leading clinical research organization (CRO) has chosen to grow its Newark, Del., headquarters with a $16.6 million laboratory and office expansion in Delaware Technology Park, where the company already is the largest tenant.

QPS Holdings, LLC is renowned for its work supporting large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in their research programs and drug-development efforts. In addition to its headquarters in Newark, it operates U.S. locations in Florida and Missouri; European sites in Austria and The Netherlands; Asian facilities in China, India, and Taiwan; and a site in Australia.

QPS currently occupies all of 3 Innovation Way and 90% of 1 Innovation Way in Delaware Technology Park. The company plans to lease an additional 55,515 square feet of space – including more than 15,000 square feet of lab space in a new building at 6 Innovation Way. The company currently has 336 full-time employees in Delaware and plans to add 135 new full-time positions here by the end of 2027.

“This expansion project in Delaware Technology Park, Newark, Del., is strategically important to QPS’s businesses,” said Ben Hsu, chief administrative officer of QPS Holdings, LLC. “It will significantly expand QPS’s capacity to serve our clients in both Lab Services and Clinical Services globally.”

New Executive Director at The Mary Campbell Center

The Mary Campbell Center recently announced that Tarah Pappas, MBA, NHA, has been hired as its new executive director.

Pappas has been a part of the Mary Campbell Center family since 2017, when she was hired as its business office manager. Since then, she has earned her MBA in nonprofit leadership from Wilmington University, followed by a graduate certificate in health care administration. In 2023, she completed the studies, fieldwork, and certification examination to become a licensed Delaware nursing home administrator.

Pappas’ commitment to the center has always been apparent. She adheres to a resident-first philosophy, is collegial with colleagues, approachable with families, and brings a strong business sense and big heart to work each day. These qualities will ensure that the center continues to shine and meet its mission to discover, grow, and celebrate abilities.

Atlantic General Hospital joins TidalHealth

Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) in Berlin, Md. and TidalHealth of Salisbury, Md. have signed a definitive agreement that will bring the two health systems together under TidalHealth.

“Healthcare systems are more frequently coming together to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving environment. We are proud to now have officially partnered with an organization that has very similar philosophies and beliefs, and together we will be working throughout the region to improve health and wellness across the continuum of care,” said Steve Leonard, Ph.D., MBA, FACHE, president and CEO of TidalHealth. “We continue to look for partners on this journey and are excited about the opportunities to positively impact additional lives through the growth that will follow.”

AGH, and all of its affiliated services, medical practices, and outpatient facilities now joins the TidalHealth family that includes TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury, Md., TidalHealth Nanticoke in Seaford, Del., TidalHealth McCready Pavilion in Crisfield, Md., a robust primary care and specialty care network of offices, and medical campuses in Ocean Pines, Md. and Millsboro, Del.

McKim & Creed Acquires Landmark Science & Technology

McKim & Creed, a leading engineering, planning and geospatial services firm, announced that it has acquired Landmark Science & Engineering based in Newark, Del. The strategic acquisition is expected or considering employment in Delaware in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

By offering financial support for student loan payments, the STAR Fund aims to attract and retain top talent in Delaware, ensuring the state continues to grow its workforce in key industries.

“Retaining a young, diverse workforce is key to sustaining Delaware’s economy,” said DSB Director CJ Bell. “I believe the STAR Fund will be a blueprint for how we retain talent and continue our effort in becoming the innovation hub of the Mid-Atlantic.”

“We are pleased to partner with DSB on this important initiative,” said Center for Life Science Education and Training Chairman Michael Fleming. “Developing and retaining a world class STEM workforce is the highest priority for the life science industry in Delaware and the STAR Fund will be an important tool in keeping great research and business talent here in our state.”

The application portal opens July 14 and closes July 31. Awards are expected to be made in October. Program details are available at www.bioconnectde.org/star-fund.

Michael Houghton Receives Distinguished Service Award

In June, the Delaware State Bar Association (DSBA) presented the First State Distinguished Service Award to retired Morris Nichols partner Michael Houghton.

The award recognizes “a member of the Delaware Bar who, by exemplary leadership and service dedicated to the cause of good citizenship in civic and humanitarian service over a period of many years, has maintained the integrity and honored recognition of the legal profession in community affairs and who, as an outstanding Delawarean,

unceasingly advances the ideals of citizen participation and community accomplishment, thus reflecting high honor on both country and profession.”

Houghton’s many leadership roles have spanned local, state, and national bar activities, political initiatives, and nonprofit board service. He is a former president of the DSBA and the Uniform Law Commission; served on the boards of the Delaware Bar Foundation, Delaware Public Policy Institute, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation; and chaired the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council, among other efforts.

“I am pleased to congratulate Mike for this accomplishment and his continued service to the state of Delaware,” said Bill Lafferty, chair of Morris Nichols’ executive committee. “Mike’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, and public service has been evident throughout his entire 40-year career, and his contributions to the state of Delaware are truly awe-inspiring.”

HAP Opens New Mobile Veterinary Unit

Humane Animal Partners (HAP), a statewide animal welfare organization with locations in Wilmington, Stanton/Christiana, and Rehoboth Beach, recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new mobile veterinary clinic at the Rehoboth Beach location.

The mobile clinic will allow the organization to better serve pets and their families through low-cost wellness, vaccine, and spay/neuter services — both on-site at HAP Rehoboth Beach and off-site throughout Sussex County and beyond. The mobile veterinary unit is made possible through a capital grant from the state’s Community Reinvestment Fund.

“We’re thrilled at the potential impact of this new initiative, particularly for Sussex families,” said Leigh McKinley, HAP’s Rehoboth Beach director. “This mobile veterinary unit really elevates our ability to serve the local community and play our part in keeping pets healthy and connected to their families.”