Newsbites

Incyte and Hoppenot Named Freedom Award Recipient

The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation (PDFF) recently announced that Incyte, represented by Chief Executive Officer Hervé Hoppenot, was selected as the 2024 recipient of the Pete du Pont Freedom Award.

Founded in Wilmington, Delaware, in 2002, Incyte is a pioneering global biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative medicines for patients with unmet medical needs. With a strong focus on oncology, inflammation and autoimmunity, Incyte has established operations across North America, Europe, and Asia, with an exceptional team of biologists and chemists based in Delaware working together to tackle new drug discovery and development to find meaningful solutions for patients by following the science.

Today, Incyte’s passion for innovation is stronger than ever with a team of more than 2,500 employees, over 1,000 research and clinical development employees, eight approved products, and ongoing clinical trials in dozens of disease areas.

“Under Hervé’s exceptional leadership, Incyte exemplifies everything that the Pete du Pont Freedom Award is about,” said PDFF Board Chair Thère du Pont. “We are thrilled to present this honor to a company that is innovating industries, driving economic growth in Delaware, and improving outcomes for individuals all over the world.”

Croda Welcomes New Site Director of Atlas Point Facility

Croda Inc., the company that uses smart science to create, make, and sell high-performance ingredients and solutions that improve lives, welcomed Jeff LaBrozzi as site director of its Atlas Point facility in New Castle, Delaware.

LaBrozzi has over 25 years of management and engineering experience in the specialty chemical and consumer care industries. Most recently, LaBrozzi served as vice president operations Americas at Evonik where he was responsible for operations at multiple sites across North America. Additionally, he developed world-class safety programs; grew team culture; and managed production, maintenance, engineering, and project engineering departments. Previously, he was site director for an air products specialty chemicals facility.

“We are thrilled to welcome someone of Jeff’s caliber to our team,” said Bradley Cook, vice president of North America operations for Croda Inc. “Jeff’s commitment to his community and the people he works with is evident when you watch him lead. This, in combination with decades of expertise in our industry, will ensure that Atlas Point will be driving innovation for years to come.”

Leadership Delaware, Inc. Announces New CEO

Leadership Delaware, Inc. (LDI) announced the appointment of Michael “Mike” S. Eppehimer as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Eppenheimer is a distinguished alumnus of the Leadership Delaware Fellowship Program, Class of 2013, bringing over two decades of executive leadership experience with him. His extensive background in strategic planning, operations, culture change, and talent development uniquely positions him to lead LDI into its next chapter.

Eppenheimer has held several transformative roles throughout his career, including as the founder and CEO of ThreefoldYes Consulting in Hockessin, Delaware, and the president and chief operating officer of the ChristianaCare Medical Group.

“Mike’s deep connection to Leadership Delaware and innovative leadership style make him the ideal choice to guide our organization forward. His creative background in the arts and strategic expertise will further our mission to develop exceptional leaders prepared to address Delaware’s challenges,” stated Joel Brown, LDI board chair.

M. Davis & Sons Names Assistant Controller

M. Davis & Sons, a woman-owned, fifth generation industrial contractor headquartered in Delaware, announced the promotion of Penny Beaty to Assistant Controller.

Beaty, a long-time employee of M. Davis & Sons, will assist in leading financial operations while driving efficiencies within the department.

“Penny leads the accounting department with exceptional job cost expertise, commitment to improving processes, timely communication, and thoughtful team management. Penny’s value to the accounting department and the project management team at M. Davis cannot be overstated,” states M. Davis & Sons Controller Emily Sweeney.

Weiner Benefits Group Announces Promotions

Weiner Benefits Group promoted four employees: Alyson Michael, James Barker, Wendi Weingartner, and Stephanie Clendening.

After nearly a year as a client service associate, Alyson Michael is now an account manager where she leads client accounts and strategizing on key projects. James Barker was promoted from account manager to account executive, and now assists in developing customized strategic plans to meet clients’ objectives and drives new business opportunities. Wendi Weingartner is now an account executive focused on driving client relationships. Stephanie Clendening was promoted to director of operations and business development after serving as an account executive. In this role, she oversees the operational functions of the firm while spearheading business development strategies to drive growth and enhance client relationships.

Potter Anderson Extends Wilmington Lease and Plans Renovation

Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP (Potter Anderson) renewed its commitment to its headquarters location in Wilmington with a 13-year lease extension of its offices at 1313 N. Market Street, where the firm has been based since 1997.

With the lease extension, Potter Anderson also is planning a major redesign and modernization of its office space, which is expected to be completed in time for the firm’s 200th anniversary in 2026.

“Potter Anderson has been an integral part of the Delaware legal community, and a contributor to the success of the greater Wilmington community, for nearly two centuries,” said Potter Anderson Chairman Peter J. Walsh, Jr. “We are looking forward to the start of our next 100 years as a premier firm in Delaware.”

Walsh added that favorable market conditions and the firm’s commitment to the Wilmington business district led the firm to approach its landlord well in advance of its current lease expiration in 2028.

Easterseals Welcomes New Board Member

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore recently welcomed Walter Kowal, of Wilmington, Delaware, to its Board of Directors.

“As a physical therapist and now as someone who oversees healthcare services at Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware Valley, I have devoted my life to providing healthcare to people in need,” Kowal said. “Having lived and worked for over 20 years in the area covered by Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore, I would love nothing more than to contribute to the Easterseals mission as a board member.”

Kowal is a healthcare leader with more than 20 years of experience managing multiple departments in various settings. He currently serves as vice president of business operations for hospital-based services at Nemours Children’s Health System, where he has worked since 2019. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communication, master’s degrees in physical therapy and business administration, and is board-certified as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Kowal also serves as treasurer on the board of Living Beyond Breast Cancer.

Goldey-Beacom College Named a 2025 “Hidden Gem”

Goldey-Beacom College (GBC) has been selected as a 2025 Hidden Gem by College Raptor, a college planning platform that helps families discover matches using AI algorithms to find the best colleges at the best price.

The selection recognizes GBC as one of the nation’s best colleges based on factors such as retention and graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratio, endowment per student, selectivity, and other metrics reported by the National Center for Education Statistics for the most recent enrollment year.

With fewer than 5,000 students, each Hidden Gem institution offers five or more unique majors—GBC offers 11 undergraduate and seven graduate majors. GBC ranks in the top third of College Raptor’s overall rankings.

“For students seeking the enriching experience of a smaller college with exceptional programs, institutions like GBC are prime options, and we are honored to spotlight them with this welldeserved recognition,” said William Staib, co-founder and CEO of College Raptor.

HCD Invests $2.29 Million Across the State

In collaboration with the Delaware Division of Public Health (DDPH), Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware, DuPont, and Nemours Children’s Health, Healthy Communities Delaware (HCD) announced an investment of $2.29 million in Delaware’s underserved neighborhoods.

Each investment supports the “vital conditions for health and well-being,” as promoted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“These funds empower resident-led solutions that dismantle systemic barriers and enable communities to thrive,” said Kate Dupont Phillips, executive director of Healthy Communities Delaware. “Our collective approach ensures that all Delawareans thrive, with no exceptions.”

HCD, a collaboration between the Delaware Community Foundation, DDPH, and the University of Delaware, currently funds initiatives in 15 communities through 21 communitybased organizations and coalition partners. These organizations receive annual support to advance their goals of improving vital conditions and building sustainable infrastructure.

JPMorganChase Partners to Launch New Equitable Hiring Initiative

The Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) and JPMorganChase have partnered to launch the Delaware Equitable Hiring Initiative (DE EHI), a multiyear pilot project aimed at strengthening Wilmington’s workforce by helping local employers tap into overlooked talent from underserved communities.

Across Delaware, businesses are facing labor shortages, with only 63 available workers for every 100 open jobs. Despite this, many employers still rely on automated screening processes that inadvertently perpetuate hiring biases and exclude candidates without traditional qualifications. This limits businesses’ ability to recruit quality talent and creates barriers for Wilmington residents, impacting the city’s prosperity.

“JPMorganChase is proud to support the Delaware Equitable Hiring Initiative, a project that strengthens our portfolio of systems-change investments to promote inclusivity and opportunity in the workplace,” said Tom Horne, Delaware market leader for JPMorganChase. “As an employer that prioritizes inclusive hiring, we know how targeted resources can transform lives and business success.”

BLS CPAs Earns 2024 Best of Accounting

Belfint Lyons & Shuman, CPAs (BLS), a leading accounting firm, has earned the 2024 Best of Accounting Award for providing exceptional client service. This marks the sixth consecutive year BLS has received this honor, which is awarded by ClearlyRated based entirely on client feedback.

BLS earned satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10 from 91.5% of its clients, significantly higher than the industry average of 56%.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this award for exceptional client service, especially because it reflects our clients’ feedback,” said Anne Mary Kluska, CPA, CVA, BLS’ executive director of client services. “This recognition validates our team’s dedication and expertise in consistently meeting our clients’ needs. We are grateful for their trust and remain committed to providing the service they deserve.”

“I’m excited to introduce the 2024 Best of Accounting winners and share their verified ratings and reviews,” said ClearlyRated CEO Eric Gregg. “These firms raised the bar for excellence, and I couldn’t be more proud to celebrate their success.”