Central Delaware Economic Summit - Speakers and Panelists
Dr. Mark Brainard - President of Delaware Tech
Dr. Mark T. Brainard, a proud graduate of Delaware Tech, was appointed the College's fifth president on August 4, 2014. Previously, Dr. Brainard spent over three decades in a series of executive-level leadership roles in the higher education, business, government, and legislative arenas in Delaware. One of his priorities as president is to employ his knowledge, experience, and leadership skills to ensure that today's students continue to receive the same foundation and opportunities he received as a student of the College over three decades ago.
Throughout his career he has served as chief of staff for the House Minority Caucus in the Delaware State Legislature, director of external affairs at DelDOT, assistant vice president for human resources and legal affairs at Delaware Tech, executive vice president of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and chief of staff for Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner.
At the end of the governor's term, he returned to Delaware Tech and served in a number of leadership positions until he was appointed president of the College in 2014. In a short time, he has implemented a number of initiatives, including creating a collegewide culture that embraces innovation; developing a statewide program for high school students to address the manufacturing skills gap in Delaware; and establishing a variety of support programs for veterans, earning the College its “Military Friendly School” designation for five years in a row.
Dr. Brainard holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Delaware Tech, a bachelor's degree in behavioral science from Wilmington University, and a juris doctor degree from Widener University Delaware Law School.
Cornelia Johnson - Vice President and Campus Director of Delaware Tech
Cornelia Johnson's diverse background in higher education spans over more than three decades and consists of serving diverse populations of students, in both the community college and four-year university settings.
She has done extensive committee work at Delaware Tech related to Middle States reaccreditation, diversity and inclusion, assessment, and student success. Presently, she is a member of the College's Core Team of Achieving the Dream, an initiative that develops a framework of strategies that yield equitable outcomes for all students.
Cornelia Johnson was appointed Vice President and Campus Director for the Terry Campus in July 2018, after 16 years of service at the Stanton and Wilmington Campuses of Delaware Tech. There, she served as Dean of Student Affairs, Director of Communication and Planning, and Registrar. Prior to her career at Delaware Tech, Vice President Johnson held administrative positions at Delaware State University and University of Delaware.
She earned the bachelor's degree in Economics from University of Delaware and MBA from Delaware State University. In 2016, she was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio for her outstanding work in higher education.
Vice President Johnson is a member of Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, where she serves on the executive board and chairs the community affairs committee; a member of the Greater Kent Committee, where she serves on the Education Committee; the Delaware's ACE Women's Network, and the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Fund Council. She is active in her community, serving on the Interdenominational Ministers Alliance.
Governor John Carney
Born in Wilmington and raised in Claymont, Governor John Carney has been working for the Delaware people for more than 30 years. John took office as Delaware's 74th Governor in January 2017, focused on making Delaware's economy more competitive, preparing Delaware's children to succeed, and building a long-term sustainable financial plan for the State of Delaware. Working with Delawareans across the state, and with members of the General Assembly, he has made progress on each of those priorities. John has directed new resources to high-needs schools, partnered with the private sector to drive new job creation, and taken steps to lower healthcare costs for Delaware families, businesses, and taxpayers.
From 2011 to 2017, John served as Delaware's lone member of the U.S. House of Representatives. During his three terms in Congress, John worked with members of both parties to find solutions to the most important challenges facing the nation. He supported the revitalization of American manufacturing through the "Make It In America" agenda. He was a lead sponsor of the centerpiece of the Jumpstart our Businesses (JOBS) Act that made it easier for small- and medium-sized businesses to grow and create jobs. John also introduced legislation that was signed into law to prevent critical prescription drug shortages, and he was the lead sponsor on a successful bill to help veterans more easily enter the job market.
Prior to his time in Congress, John served two terms as Delaware's Lieutenant Governor. Between 2001 and 2009, John developed the Lt. Governor's Challenge to encourage Delawareans to live active, healthier lifestyles. He also created and implemented the Models of Excellence in Education program that allowed schools throughout the state to share best practices. In addition, John was a strong supporter of the Delaware smoking ban and he led the fight for a Cancer Right to Know law, ultimately passed in 2008. John also served as Chairman of the Delaware Healthcare Commission, the Criminal Justice Council, and the Delaware Science & Technology Council.
Under then-Governor Tom Carper, John served as Delaware's Secretary of Finance and Deputy Chief of Staff. Before that, he was Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for New Castle County, and on the staff of then-Senator Joe Biden. In these roles, he helped Delaware earn its first ever AAA bond rating, played a key role in the state's purchase of the Port of Wilmington, and worked to cut taxes nine times.
The second of nine children, John was born in Wilmington and raised in Claymont by his parents, Jack and Ann Carney, who were both educators. He attended St. Mark's High School and led the school's football team to its first state championship in 1973. After graduating high school, John attended Dartmouth College where he continued his football career and earned All-Ivy League and Most Valuable Player honors. When John returned to Delaware, he coached Freshmen Football on the staff of UD Head Coach Tubby Raymond while earning a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at the University of Delaware.
John lives in Wilmington with his wife, Tracey. They have two sons, Sam and Jimmy.
George Dobbins
My name is George and I am a husband, father, and local small business owner. I own a gym called CrossFit Dover and have had the opportunity to serve the community for the last 14 years. During this time I have opened up two other locations throughout the state. I come to you with 20 years of experience which includes working with individuals, athletes, and semi pro teams. My heart is to serve the people by enriching the quality of life that is given through health and fitness. This includes working in the community of Dover alongside of the Dover Interfaith Mission Shelter and Habitat for Humanity! Some other not for profits that I started include the Student Fitness League that serves our youth with fitness/leadership opportunities, Faith Rx’D Dover which ties in faith and fitness, and Sober Saturday’s which serves individuals in the recovery community.
John Fleming
John F. Fleming is the Acting Regional Administrator for SBA's Mid-Atlantic Region. The Mid-Atlantic Region includes Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Mr. Fleming started his SBA career in 1992 and has served in various positions including District Director, and Chief Credit Officer.
Mr. Fleming also served as a Senior Federal Policy Advisor for the White House Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2) initiative. SC2 was an innovative interagency approach for supporting our Nation's cities, towns, and regions.
Mr. Fleming graduated in 1992 from Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, with a degree in Business Administration. Prior to attending college, he served in the United States Marine Corps as a non-commissioned officer.
He is married and has one son.
Tammy Ordway
Born on the Dover Air Force Base, and raised in the area, Tammy feels a close connection to the people and businesses here. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Wilmington University, Tammy entered public accounting in 1990, and has been serving Dover and the surrounding communities ever since. As a Partner with Faw Casson she is able to help our clients seize opportunities that others may overlook. Tammy excels at assisting those business owners that are excited about their business and want to see it thrive.
To say Tammy is active in the community would be an understatement. She is the Past Chair of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and currently Chair of the Finance Committee. She is a DAFB 512th Key Spouse member and their Treasurer. She is a former member of the Board of Directors of both the Dover Federal Credit Union and Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay.
Tammy can often be found outside with her family. Whether it be biking, hiking through the woods, or camping out, you can bet she's having a blast with her husband, Greg, and daughter, Jenna. She is also quickly developing an obsession with Pickleball and loves playing every chance she gets.
Linda Parkowski
Linda is the Executive Director of the Kent Economic Partnership, Inc. trading as Choose Central Delaware which is the economic development agency for Kent County, Delaware. Linda is charged with business attraction, retention and expansion in Central Delaware along with business assistance. Since taking on her role she has rebranded Central Delaware ChooseCentralDelaware.com and works collectively with many municipalities and groups to raise awareness of Central Delaware as a prime business location.
Since taking on her role with the KEP she has located 6 new businesses to the area resulting in over 350 new good paying jobs in the market. She also assisted 7 existing businesses expand in the area. She is also instrumental in master planning many areas in Kent County for future development.
Prior to taking her position at the KEP she was the Acting Director of the Division of Small Business for the state and prior to that position she was Director of Tourism for the State of Delaware having launched several successful marketing initiatives, including the state’s first-ever multi-platform branding campaign. a redesign of the state’s VisitDelaware.com tourism website, and digital media advertising campaigns that reached thousands of potential travelers, growing the tourism industry in Delaware from a 1.5 to 3.3 billion dollar industry.
Linda has more than 20 years of experience in the Delaware tourism, hospitality and economic development industries, including a stint as general manager of both the Sheraton Dover Hotel and Wild Quail Golf and Country Club in Wyoming, Delaware.
Additionally, Linda serves on many boards, including: Riverfront Development Board, Leadership Delaware, State Division of Parks and Recreation, Kent County Tourism, Downtown Dover Partnership.
Mike Rasmussen
Mike lives in Downtown Smyrna with his wife Janessa, daughter Nova and son Cole; and is an owner and managing partner of Painted Stave Distilling and Taco Jardin. Over the last 8 years, Painted Stave Distilling has grown into one of the regions premier producers of craft spirits as well as a tourism destination and thriving craft cocktail bar. In 2020 Mike helped launch Taco Jardin, a taco truck that has already been voted a best of Delaware and is currently expanding with the help of a state EDGE Grant. Currently, Mike serves as an elected member of the Smyrna Town Council, heading up the Economic Development Committee and the Main Street Coordinating Board; and also as the Chair of Governor Carney's Tourism Advisory Board, a Board member for the Delaware Aerospace Education Foundation, and a member of the Kent County Tourism Board. Prior to that he served on Governor Markell's Commission on Early Education and the Economy and the Board of Directors of the Newark Day Nursery. Before opening Painted Stave, Mike was the Director of Operations for the Vision Network of Delaware, and prior to that a Program Officer with the Rodel Foundation of Delaware. Mike completed his Masters Degree at the University of Delaware in Urban Affairs and Public Policy and also pursued his Doctorate there in Education Leadership. He also holds undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Secondary Education from SUNY Geneseo. When not running two small businesses, helping to lead a growing town, and managing a wonderful young family, Mike enjoys caffeine and sleep depending on the time of day.
Angie Robles & Rous Robles
Puerto Rican Sisters Angie & Rous Robles moved to DE 10 years ago. The sisters always dreamed of having a bakery, Sweet Sister Rous is a self taught baker while Savory Sister Angie loves to cook, together they created a bakery that specializes in sweets & savory and is called My Sister's Fault!
Jordan Schulties
Jordan Schulties is Director of the Delaware Division of Small Business, where she works each day to make Delaware a better place for businesses to start, expand and thrive. As Director of the Division of Small Business, she leads a team assisting small businesses, attracting new businesses, administering the Delaware Strategic Fund and marketing the state as a tourist destination.
In 2016, Jordan joined the Division of Small Business’s predecessor agency, the Delaware Economic Development Office, where she was promoted to Business Finance Director and joined the organization’s leadership team.
She was promoted to Division of Small Business Deputy Director in 2018 and named Director in March 2021.
Jordan has extensive experience working with small businesses and assisting them in their efforts to start and grow. A CPA, she worked in public accounting prior to entering state service, and many of her clients at the time were small businesses.
Jordan holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Delaware and is a lifelong Kent County resident.
Ted Werner
Mr. Werner is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. He has 25 years of in the healthcare industry including 12 years in Senior Leadership and 6 years in the CEO role. Areas of expertise include: Healthcare Marketing, Hospital Operations, Conflict Resolution, Leadership development Policies, and Labor Relations and Business development. Mr. Werner received his B.A. in Human Resources Management from DeSales University and his Master's Degree in Health Care Administration and Policy from Penn State University.
Involvement in community organizations include: PAM Dover Medical Executive and Governing Board Committees; Brain Injury Association of Delaware, Board Member; Rotary Club of Delaware, Member; Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, Member; Delaware Healthcare Association, Policy Committee; and Penn State University, Executive Leadership Mentor. Mr. Werner has also volunteered as a judge for the Dover Arts Festival.
Martha White
Martha White, LEED AP has spent the last 25 years making complex interiors projects look easy. She serves as Senior Project Manager for EDiS Company, a Wilmington, DE-based construction management and general construction firm. From renovating complex occupied sites, to phased construction plans, to fit-outs and refreshes of large spaces and small, Martha has mastered it all. This expertise has been essential for EDiS clients in the last 18 months, as they navigate the changing face of the modern workplace and all the challenges that employers are facing as more and more employees return to the office. Marth is a client advocate that will represent their interests as her own, and she protects the budget and schedule with a tenacity rarely found. Whether working with owners, owner’s reps, designers, or trade contractors, Martha’s meticulous attention to every detail has saved hundreds of hours and dollars both before and during construction. Her ability to see the full system of a job and make decisions based on the impacts to all trades, both the obvious and the not so obvious, is one of many things that sets her apart. A native of Delaware, Martha is a graduate of the University of Virginia and is a Licensed Real Estate Agent as well as a construction professional. She serves on both the City of Wilmington Building Code Standing Committee and the Board of Standards and Appeals.