Affiliate Spotlight: The Partnership, Inc.

BY HELANA RODRIGUEZ

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s 501(c)(3) workforce development affiliate—The Partnership, Inc.—recently approved eight new members to its Board of Directors. The Partnership fosters private sector involvement in workforce development, training, and education to ensure the First State has a sustainable pipeline of talent through four flagship programs: Delaware Principal for a Day, Superstars in Education & Training, Intern Delaware, and the Delaware Young Professionals Network.

The Partnership welcomes the following individuals to the Board of Directors:

Jennifer Eichholtz, CSC

Nathan Elton, University of Delaware Career Center

Dr. Patricia Holmes Smith, Holmes Smith Consulting Services, Inc.

Kathleen S. Matt, PhD, University of Delaware

Keisha Morris, Bayheath

Betsy Renzo, Delaware Law Related Education Center

Joanna Staib, Delaware Workforce Development Board

Connor Brown, L&W Insurance

The Board also saw a change in leadership with outgoing Rick Deadwyler of Corteva Agriscience passing the gavel to Dr. Lora A. Johnson of Delaware Technical Community College. Deadwyler served as the chair since January 2020.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the amazing opportunity of serving as the chair of The Partnership’s Board of Directors. This group managed to reset the focus of the organization [during

the duress of the pandemic] and then position The Partnership for growth and ultimate success,” said Deadwyler. “I am thrilled that Dr. Johnson will assume chairmanship of The Partnership. She is an incredibly accomplished and well-respected leader in our state. Her professional skillset and enthusiasm for The Partnership is perfectly positioned to launch the organization to new levels of impact of our continued work to develop Delaware’s next generation leaders and workforce.”

“Rick’s years of leadership with The Partnership played a pivotal role in shaping the new focused direction of the organization. His dedication has laid a strong foundation for our continued success moving forward,” shared Delaware State Chamber President

Michael J. Quaranta. “Dr. Johnson has been a long-time supporter of The Partnership and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. I have full confidence that under her leadership we will continue the engagement between the business community and the many workforce development, training, and education efforts in Delaware.”