Newsbites

The Chancery Market to Open Garden Plaza

The newly-created 10,000-square-foot garden plaza at The Chancery Market Food Hall & Bar will welcome visitors in May 2023.

Designed by the Delaware Center for Horticulture, this outdoor space will feature green lawns, new landscaping, decorative hardscaping, and seating for 150. In addition to al fresco dining, an indoor/outdoor bar, a fireplace, and a large screen TV, the plaza is carefully created to be conducive for professional business meetings and co-working. Families and visitors will also enjoy games, live music, and other seasonal activities, surrounded by views of the downtown Wilmington skyline.

For upcoming news, events, and more information on booking a private party, visit their website at thechancerymarket.com.

Saint Mark’s Focuses on Student Mental Health

In partnership with the SL24:Unlocke the Light Foundation and Sean’s House, Saint Mark’s has established Sean’s Room, a classroom that has been converted into a type of lounge for students to relax, ask questions, and learn about mental health.

Sean’s Room will be staffed by University of Delaware trained peer specialists two days per week during lunch periods. The specialists will work closely with the Saint Mark’s guidance staff to keep continuity of care consistent while handling everyday student concerns.

“We recognize that students need a space to call their own, somewhere they can unwind and let go of the stress of the day,” said Principal Diane Casey. “The room will serve two purposes. Students who would like to meet with a trained peer specialist will be able to do so in a relaxed and comfortable setting. But the room will also be available for students who just need a few minutes of quiet during their day to reset and regroup. It will be a place where they can pause, take a deep breath, and then head off to math class refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of their day.”

Whisman Giordano & Associates Names First COO

Whisman Giordano & Associates, LLC (WGA) named Lisa K. DeRose, CPA, CGMA, it's first official chief operating officer. DeRose will oversee the firm's day-to-day operations in addition to her existing roles as director in the tax department, leader of the tax committee, and partner in charge of human resources.

Lisa K. DeRose

DeRose has over 30 years of experience. She joined WGA as a partner in 2013 and is a steadfast leader committed to the firm’s success. DeRose is a recognized community leader who has a strong commitment to mentoring. She helped found the Delaware chapter of the ACE Mentor Program in 2010. This program has given over $100,000 in scholarships to high school students interested in building design and construction careers.

Navient Names David Green as Executive Vice President

Navient, a leader in technologyenabled education finance and business processing solutions, announced the appointment of David Green as executive vice president of consumer lending. Green will continue as CEO of Earnest.

In this expanded role, Green is responsible for Navient’s suite of education financing tools and services, which are offered under the Earnest and NaviRefi brands.

“Green is a creative strategist and innovator supporting families on the college journey,” said Jack Remondi, CEO and president of Navient. “Our consumer lending business is a key to Navient’s long-term success, and I am excited about our vision for growth.”

AT&T’s Denis Dunn Retires

Denis Dunn, who leads the state external and legislative affairs team as state president in Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., retired after nearly 23 years of service, effective April 11, 2023.

Denis Dunn

“I will miss AT&T, especially my friends and colleagues within E&LA,” says Denis. “Our work together has been engaging, sometimes challenging, but always rewarding. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with so many good people.”

Denis’s leadership is public-spirited. In his efforts to advance AT&T policy objectives, Denis drew upon his experiences as an elected councilman and prosecutor in his native Lakewood, Ohio, as a reserve officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, a staff judge advocate in the Ohio Army National Guard, and as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Jamaica.

“AT&T investment and engagement advances the common good within communities, and our nation,” says Denis. “There is great joy in connecting people and building community.”

Verdantas Expands West

Verdantas, a private-equity-backed solution provider of engineering, planning, and science services to support their clients’ sustainability, resiliency, and strategic infrastructure objectives, acquired Southern California-based Leighton, a well-respected company known for its technical expertise and deep knowledge of the geo-environmental conditions in the region. This addition to Verdantas significantly strengthens its western U.S. presence and brings added depth to their geologic, geotechnical, and materials capabilities.

“Leighton joining Verdantas marks a strategic inflection point in our ability to expand our service offerings to clients and extend our geographic reach,” said Gerry Salontai, CEO of Verdantas, “We are thrilled to have Leighton and their reputation of bringing the best and brightest people to each of their client’s projects. This commitment to excellent work for clients and Leighton’s efforts to capitalize on a collaborative environment fits well into Verdantas’ intentional people-focused approach.”

Highmark Delaware Awards Over $790,000

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware announced its first quarter BluePrints for the Community grant recipients. BluePrints for the Community is a donor-advised fund at the Delaware Community Foundation and has invested over $35 million to improve health outcomes across the state.

“By targeting specific aspects of health and well-being, we’re advancing real change for Delaware communities,” said Nick Moriello, president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware. “We’re proud to support the great organizations making a difference throughout our state.”

BluePrints grants awarded in quarter one: Vision to Learn; Community Education Building; Jewish Family Services of Delaware; West End Neighborhood House, Inc.; Lutheran Community Services, Inc.; Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley; Down Syndrome Association of Delaware; Urban Bike Project of Wilmington; St. Patrick’s Center, Inc.; and Odyssey Charter School.

WSFS CARES Foundation Provides Community Grants

The WSFS CARES Foundation, the charitable giving arm of WSFS Bank, announced it has provided grants to three community organizations in Delaware as part of its continuing series of philanthropic activities by WSFS and the Foundation:

Delaware Business Roundtable Education Committee (DBREC) received $75,000 to support DBREC’s Student Success 2025 initiative, a statewide plan for Delaware public education that aligns with the Delaware Business Roundtable’s growth agenda to support economic development.

Freire Charter School Wilmington received a $100,000 matching grant to support converting a secondary building into a gymnasium with a full-sized court, training room, and spectator seating to help boost enrollment and retention rates, encourage athletic participation, and provide a space large enough for all-school gatherings.

“Revitalization and business economic empowerment, education, and leadership development are among the core pillars of the WSFS CARES Foundation,” said Patrick J. Ward, executive vice president, Pennsylvania market president at WSFS Bank and chairman of the WSFS CARES Foundation. “By working together with organizations with a shared focus on these areas like the Delaware Business Roundtable Education Committee and Freire Charter School Wilmington, we’re helping to bring WSFS’ mission of ‘We Stand for Service’ to life and enriching our communities.”

Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation Announces Honoree

The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation announced that Vance Kershner has been selected as this year’s recipient of the esteemed Pete du Pont Freedom Award. Kershner is the founder of LabWare, Inc., a leading global software company in laboratory informatics, and serves as the company’s president and chief executive officer. The nationally recognized award will be formally presented to Kershner this fall during the annual Pete du Pont Freedom Award ceremony at the Hotel du Pont on September 26.

Vance Kershner

“Vance Kershner is a risk-taker and change maker,” said PDFF Board Chair Thère du Pont. “Like my father, Vance believes in championing bold ideas, giving back to the state, and building entrepreneurial ecosystems that are truly impactful. We are thrilled to honor Vance with the Pete du Pont Freedom Award this year.”

“It’s an honor to receive such a prestigious award and be recognized with such an accomplished group of former honorees,” said Kershner. “LabWare, and me personally, have tried to be supportive and promote the development of new ideas and talented entrepreneurs, whether with students or in the workforce and provide assistance to help overcome some of the challenges they face. Governor duPont changed the business climate in Delaware, using legislation to create new industries and one of the most business-friendly states in the country. I only hope LabWare, myself, and my children live up to the examples that have been established before us.”

Croda Names Atlas Point Site Director

Croda, Inc., the company that uses smart science to create high-performance ingredients and solutions that improve lives, has promoted Josh Dube to site director of its Atlas Point facility in New Castle, Delaware.

“Josh leads with purpose. He cares about the greater good and empowers others. As a thoughtful leader, he combines his technical skills with passion to grow our teams of employees. We are pleased to have him direct our Atlas Point operations,” said Russ Niksic, managing director and senior vice president at Croda.