Newsbites

Dover YMCA Hires New Community Executive Director

After an extensive search, the YMCA of Delaware has named John Rice as the new community executive director of the Dover YMCA. With more than a decade of YMCA leadership experience, Rice brings a wealth of expertise in program innovation, staff development, and community engagement to his new role.

His commitment to equity and inclusion, shaped by experiences across four continents, reflects his dedication to advancing social justice and fostering stronger communities. A graduate of Springfield College, Rice holds a Bachelor of Science in youth development with a minor in YMCA professional studies. He also carries certifications in YMCA leadership, lifeguarding, and other areas.

Recognized as a thought leader in youth development, Rice has shared his insights at numerous conferences, presenting on topics such as inclusive programming, staff training, and fostering member engagement.

“I am honored and excited to join the Dover YMCA as community executive director,” Rice said. “The YMCA has been a cornerstone of my life since I was a young volunteer, and I am deeply passionate about its mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. I look forward to working alongside the incredible staff, volunteers, and members of the Dover community to build innovative programs, foster inclusivity, and create opportunities for growth and connection.”

Longwood Foundation Awards Grant to Easterseals

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating an inclusive community through innovative services, recently received a grant from the Longwood Foundation to fund two critical projects at Easterseals Camp Fairlee: replacing the aquatics area and adding a sensory-friendly cabin.

“We are grateful to the Longwood Foundation for their incredible gift to our Camp Fairlee projects. Our new pool and sensory-friendly cabin will create decades of memories for current and future campers,” Easterseals President and CEO Kenan Sklenar said. “It is thanks to our partnerships that we are able to continue to provide innovative services to our community.”

After 61 years of memories made in the current pool, Easterseals plans to demolish and rebuild the aquatics facility, which will include a pool, pump house, and pool house. The new aquatic area is set to be ready for the 2025 summer camp sessions. The state-of-the-art facility will feature a zero-entry ramp, rails, a chair lift, a soft deck transfer station for safety, and a lanai for sun protection, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for individuals of all abilities.

Christina Kelley joins GGA Construction

GGA Construction recently welcomed Christina Kelley as its new business development manager. Kelley brings more than 25 years of experience in media and advertising, including a successful career at Today Media and as manager of business development for American Express. Her expertise and fresh perspective are poised to make a significant impact on the construction industry.

Kelley’s dedication to the industry is reflected in her longstanding involvement with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Delaware, where she has been an active member since 2009. Her contributions include serving on the Public Relations and Membership committees and volunteering for the ABCares Committee. Kelley is also a regular participant at industry events and was previously recognized as Associate Supplier of the Year by ABC Delaware.

“We are thrilled to have Christina join our team,” said Lorri Grayson, partner and founder at GGA Construction. “Her extensive experience, industry knowledge, and passion for community engagement will be instrumental in driving GGA Construction’s mission forward.”

Dr. Colleen Perry Keith Elected as NCAA Vice Chair

The NCAA is a member-led organization committed to the wellbeing and success of college athletes. Each year, its schools provide nearly $3.5 billion in athletic scholarships, with student-athletes graduating at higher rates than their peers.

At the NCAA Convention, held Jan. 14-17, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn., Dr. Colleen Perry Keith, president of GoldeyBeacom College, was elected vice chair of the Board of Governors. Keith, who currently serves as chair of the Division II Executive Board, will serve a one-year term as vice chair. Her term as Division II board chair expires in January 2026.

JLAM Opens New Charlotte Office

Jack Lingo Asset Management (JLAM), a leader in real estate investment and development, is expanding into the Carolinas with the opening of a new office in Charlotte, N.C. This strategic move positions the firm to capitalize on the region’s rapid growth, fueled by a strong job market, a favorable business climate, and a high quality of life.

Located in Charlotte’s South End neighborhood, the office will serve as a hub for sourcing investment opportunities across the Carolinas. It will be led by Parker Smith, market leader and director of investments, who brings extensive expertise and industry connections to the role. Smith previously served as director of investments at Grubb Properties and holds an MBA in real estate from the University of North Carolina’s KenanFlagler Business School.

“I am honored to join JLAM and lead our investment efforts in the Carolinas,” Smith said. “The firm’s focus on creating and investing in places where people want to be aligns with my own vision for impactful real estate investment. I look forward to contributing to JLAM’s continued success in this thriving region.”

Constellation to Acquire Calpine Corp.

Constellation (Nasdaq: CEG) and Calpine Corp. recently announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Constellation will acquire Calpine in a cash and stock transaction valued at an equity purchase price of approximately $16.4 billion, composed of 50 million shares of Constellation stock and $4.5 billion in cash plus the assumption of approximately $12.7 billion of Calpine net debt.

The agreement creates the nation’s largest clean energy provider, opening opportunities to serve more customers coast-to-coast with a broader array of energy and sustainability products. Already the nation’s largest producer of 24/7 emissions-free electricity, Constellation will add Calpine, the largest U.S. producer of energy from low-emission natural gas generation and an expanded renewable energy portfolio, including the largest geothermal generation operation in the U.S. The combination also forms the nation’s leading competitive retail electric supplier, providing 2.5 million customers with a broader array of customized energy and sustainability solutions and new product offerings to help them manage energy costs and achieve their sustainability goals.

Lerner College Launches Early Career Co-op Program

The University of Delaware’s (UD) Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics has secured a grant with the Delaware Workforce Development Board to give Lerner students a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience while continuing their academic learning.

The Lerner-Delaware Early Career Co-op Program is an exclusive oneyear, paid internship/co-op opportunity designed for rising juniors and seniors enrolled in UD’s Lerner College. Participants gain meaningful work experience, develop their professional network, and apply classroom knowledge, all while earning credits toward their degree and receiving monetary compensation from their employers.

For employers across the state, the program offers the chance to bring motivated and skilled Lerner students into their companies, gaining access to a pipeline of future business leaders eager to apply their knowledge and develop their skills within the workplace.

The program is currently in the beginning stages where area companies are signing on and providing job descriptions, and students are submitting resumes. Interviews will be conducted and job offers will be finalized through May, with the program officially starting in June.