Board of Directors
Bios:
The Honorable Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez, Chair
Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez was nominated by Governor Matt Meyer and sworn in as Delaware’s Secretary of State by the Delaware State Senate on January 28, 2025. Charuni is the third woman and the first person of color to hold the position.
As Secretary of State, Charuni leads the most diverse department with responsibilities in virtually every aspect of Delaware state government. The Secretary serves on the Board of Pardons, the Cash Management Policy Board, the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC), and the Port of Wilmington.
Prior to becoming Secretary of State, Charuni was General Manager of the New Castle County Department of Land Use. In that role, she oversaw the Department’s Development Services, Licensing, Inspections, and Code Enforcement divisions. She also shaped the legislative priorities of the Department with an emphasis on the creation of affordable housing and redevelopment along New Castle County’s corridors. She also shaped the Department’s policy priorities and community engagement efforts.
Charuni also previously served as Economic Development Director for New Castle County and created several small business initiatives using the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funding and wrote and won a grant from the Economic Development Administration. She was instrumental in negotiating New Castle County’s first-ever Pay for Success contract to expand home visiting to first-time mothers.
Before returning home to Delaware, Charuni was an attorney in Los Angeles and co-founded The McOsker Group, where she developed political strategies for a variety of hospitality, media, outdoor advertising, healthcare, and development clients. She also served in associate attorney roles with Sheppard Mullin and Glaser Weil, both in Los Angeles, where she focused on land use, government contracts, and regulatory matters in the region, as well as pro bono casework. Charuni advocated for a broad range of economic development projects for her clients and worked closely with local elected officials and staff to shape municipal ordinances and public policy issues, including home-sharing, police reform, and other measures affecting the business and workforce environments.
Born and raised in Delaware, Charuni is a graduate of Tower Hill School and the Red Clay public schools. She holds a law degree from Emory University and BA/MA degrees in Economics from the University of Southern California. She currently resides in Pike Creek, where she grew up, and is married to her husband Marcos. They both enjoy exploring the many treasures of Delaware and are always ready to cheer on her beloved Eagles.
Fred Sears, Vice Chair
Fred C. Sears II has been a community leader in greater Wilmington and throughout the State of Delaware for more than 50 years. He retired as President and CEO of the Delaware Community Foundation in 2015.
Prior to his position with the Foundation, Sears acquired a wealth of experience through a 38-year career in banking which culminated as President of Commerce Bank, Delaware. Early in his banking career, Sears took a leave of absence to serve at Finance Director and as Director of Commerce of the City of Wilmington where he oversaw the operations of the Port of Wilmington, which was owned by the City at that time.
He was elected to City Council from 1976 through 1984 and Chaired the Council’s Finance Committee and Port Committee. He has remained politically active serving as Finance Chair on Mayor Sills Transition team and co-chairing Transition Teams for Governor Ruth Ann Minner in 2000 and County Executive Chris Coons in 2004 and has served as Finance Chair for Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester in each of her campaigns since 2016.
Sears serves as a director of Applied Bank and is currently serves on the Board of Directors of seven local non-profits. He also Chairs the State Council for Development. He has served on more than 50 community non-profit Boards and chaired many capital campaigns and fundraising events for those organizations during his career. In recognition of his outstanding service to Delaware businesses, governments and nonprofits, he was awarded the coveted Josiah Marvel Cup by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce in 2022.
Karen C. Bifferato
Karen Bifferato is a partner at Connolly Gallagher LLP, where she provides securitized transactions opinions and practices in the field of commercial bankruptcy representing all types of creditors, vendors, shareholders and others in chapter 11 and chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. Before becoming a founding partner of Connolly Gallagher LLP ten years ago, she practiced law at Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz LLP for 15 years, where she became partner and was a member of the Management Committee. Prior to that, Karen started her law career at Richards Layton & Finger LLP for approximately 2 ½ years. She graduated in 1994 with a J.D. from William & Mary Law School, and in 1991, she graduated with a B.A. from North Carolina State University.
Karen currently chairs the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Attorney Development Committee at Connolly Gallagher LLP, and is a member of the Attorney Review Committee at Connolly Gallagher LLP. Karen is also a member of the American Bar Association, the Delaware State Bar Association, the American Bankruptcy Institute, and the International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation. Karen has been a member of the Board for the Diamond State Port Corporation (the Port of Wilmington) for the past 15 plus years, and currently serves as President and a member on the Board for Sacred Heart Housing, Inc., which is part of The Ministry of Caring, Inc. community.
Karen currently coaches Archmere Academy’s high school mock trial team and has been coaching mock trial for the past 25 years. Additionally, Karen has helped as an assistant coach for various local cross country and running grade school programs.
Darius J. Brown, State Senator
Senator Darius Brown represents the Second Senate District which includes New Castle, Wilmington and Edgemoor. He is committed to expanding economic opportunity by creating pathways out of poverty through restorative justice, workforce competitiveness and infrastructure investment.
Senator Brown has sponsored landmark legislation, including the passage of The Equal Rights Amendment to the state Constitution, The CROWN Act, Juneteenth as a state holiday, and Law Enforcement Body-Worn Cameras. He also sponsored the Adult Expungement Reform Act and the Clean Slate Act to help remove barriers to education, employment and housing for more than 290,000 Delawareans leading the Wilmington News Journal to name him “one of the Statehouse’s champions of criminal justice reform and racial equity.”
Senator Brown currently serves as chair of the Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee, the vice chair of the Senate Judiciary, and a member of the Senate Labor and Veterans Affairs committees. He also holds a seat on the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee.
David H. Burt
David H. Burt chaired the New Castle County Board of Adjustment for fourteen years, presiding over 330 hearings and 2,776 cases to adjudicate citizens’ requests for variances from a variety of county laws and regulations. Mindful that uniquely among county boards the BOA determined individual property rights, his first focus was to assure that community members would receive a full hearing of relevant facts, could see how legal principles were applied, and afterward would feel that they experienced a fair process.
A graduate of Tower Hill School, Swarthmore College and William and Mary Law School, Mr. Burt was admitted to the Delaware bar in 1986. He practiced trial law in the Delaware courts for a decade before being recruited by the DuPont Company.
As corporate counsel he served DuPont as its Alternative Dispute Resolution leader, was chief legal counsel for its captive insurer Christiana Insurance LLC, and was responsible for commercial litigation, international arbitration and insurance law. As both “first chair” trial counsel and collaborator with outside counsel, he has arbitrated in the US, Asia and Europe under the laws of several countries and various rule schemes, also achieving many commercial dispute settlements through mediation.
After retirement from DuPont Mr. Burt joined the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution as an executive consultant, also consulting extensively in the specialty area of Affirmative Recoveries with a leading law firm and corporate clients. He and his wife Audrey Whiteside reside in Holly Oak.
The Honorable Joshua Bushweller
Joshua (Josh) Bushweller recently retired as the Intelligence Commander of the Delaware State Police after being sworn in on January 28, 2025, by Delaware Governor Matt Meyer to serve as Delaware’s Cabinet Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security. As Secretary, Bushweller will oversee all aspects of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, including emergency response coordination, counterterrorism efforts, cybersecurity protections, and the safeguarding of critical infrastructure throughout the state. He will also be responsible for fostering collaboration with local agencies, neighboring states, and federal partners to enhance Delaware’s security posture.
While serving with the State Police, Josh served on the Governor’s Cyber and Homeland Security Advisory Councils, and he directed the Criminal Intelligence (high-tech unit) and Real Time Crime Center. Josh was also the Director of the Delaware Information Analysis Center (DIAC), where he led the Delaware Fusion Center working with the FBI and DHS to identify and disrupt domestic and international terrorism threats. Due to his expertise in threat mitigation, he was invited to be a keynote speaker at the US Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense to discuss information sharing strategies in the event of a biological threat to the US.
Josh joined the Delaware State police in 1997 and quickly rose through the ranks. He earned commendations for neutralizing dangerous hostage situations, and increased police morale and cohesiveness due to his teamwork philosophy. Promoted to Captain, Josh served as Director for Strategic Development, Community Outreach, and Public Information. He co-designed new policies for an innovative law enforcement model which strategically enhanced police priorities, accountability and data analysis. This innovative model was featured in a police magazine and served as a successful example for other jurisdictions.
Josh has implemented many “Best Practice” programs which have significantly reduced crime, improved post-crime neighborhood assistance, mitigated threat assessments during major events, and increased education outreach to elementary schools. His programs have also increased resources for Delaware’s Child Exploitation Task Force and the crime and traffic safety analytics. Josh has earned numerous awards for his leadership and impact.
Josh holds a Master of Science in Management and Public Administration from Wilmington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Wesley College. He lives with his wife in Wyoming, Delaware, and has six children. When not working, Josh enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and spending time at the beach
Douglas B. Catts
Doug Catts is the Kent County representative on the Diamond State Port Corporation’s Board of Directors which has served since 2000. He is a trial lawyer with the law firm of Schmittinger & Rodriguez, P.A., where he is presently the Managing Attorney. He is known for his work on personal injury and insurance matters including accidents, product liability and medical malpractice. He is the past President of the Delaware Trial Lawyers Association and served on the Delaware Supreme Court’s Permanent Advisory Committee on the Delaware Rules of Evidence since 2000 and been a member of the Delaware State Bar Association’s Committee on Judicial Appointments since 2005.
He graduated from the George Washington University Law School, the George Washington University Undergraduate School, and Seaford High School.
He lives in Dover, Delaware where he has been active for many years in community activities including serving as President of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and the Dover Rotary.
Ronald “Kimoko” Harris
Coming Soon
The Honorable Shanté Hastings
On Thursday, January 30, 2025, Governor Matt Meyer administered the oath of office to Shanté A. Hastings, P.E., making her the 12th Secretary of Transportation in the department’s history. Her nomination was unanimously supported by members of the Delaware State Senate. She has worked for the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) since graduating from the University of Delaware in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Prior to her appointment, she served as the department’s Deputy Secretary and Chief Engineer – the first person to hold both positions simultaneously.
As Secretary, she is responsible for 3,000 employees and 90% of the state’s public transportation network. That includes the Division of Motor Vehicles and the Delaware Transit Corporation. She oversees the development and implementation of the state’s six-year capital program with $4 billion worth of projects. Shanté also works with state, county, and municipal officials to coordinate land use and transportation to support economic development throughout the state. She serves as Chair of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Innovation Management, Chair of the AASHTO Committee on Design and Vice Chair of the AASHTO Committee on Transportation System Operations.
Shanté was awarded the Young Engineer of the Year Award and the Government Engineer of the Year Award by the Delaware Engineering Society, in 2013 and 2024 respectively, in recognition of her work in the field of engineering and community service. She currently serves on the boards for Leadership Delaware, the Delaware State Fair, the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, and Sussex Academy Charter School. In April 2024, she was nominated and confirmed to the University of Delaware Board of Trustees.
Shanté has enjoyed staying involved with her alma mater where notably her grandfather, Elbert C. Wisner, was the first African American male graduate in 1952. She is a Past President of the University of Delaware Alumni Association and the University of Delaware Kent and Sussex Counties Alumni Club. In 2014, she was a recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award from the University of Delaware. Shanté is also a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority and has stayed active as a chapter advisor.
Shanté and her husband, Jason, reside in Millsboro, and are the proud parents of their daughters Lilly and Maya, spending many nights and weekends cheering them on at volleyball and soccer. She and her family are members of Grace United Methodist Church in Millsboro, where she sings with the Praise Band.
Debra Heffernan, State Representative
Representative Debra Heffernan serves the Sixth Representative District which includes Edgemoor, Holly Oak, and portions of Brandywine Hundred. She was elected to the Delaware House of Representatives in 2010 and currently Co-Chairs the Joint Committee on Capital Improvement. She is the former President of the Brandywine School Board and an environmental toxicologist with more than 30 years of experience. She has served for fifteen years on the state’s Hazardous Substances Cleanup Act (HSCA) Advisory Committee (originally named the Brownfields Advisory Committee), which is working to protect Delawareans from pollutants while making the state greener and more economically viable. A graduate of Caesar Rodney High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Delaware and a master’s degree in environmental toxicology from Duke University.
Rep. Heffernan is a member of the Bellefonte Lions Club and volunteers with local nonprofits and Special Olympics of Delaware. She is a 30-year resident of Edgewood Hills, where she lives with her husband, Pat and has three children that all graduated from Brandywine School District schools.
Rep. Heffernan authored Delaware’s paid family and medical leave laws and is proud to have been selected by Parenting magazine as Delaware’s 2010 Outstanding Mom Advocate for Education and represented Delaware at the inaugural Mom Congress held in Washington, D.C.
Robert “Jerry” Medd
Jerry Medd is a seasoned maritime pilot and respected leader in Delaware’s maritime community. He serves as a Pilot at the Pilots’ Association for the Bay and River Delaware, where he manages land-based operations and oversees pilotage services for vessels navigating the Delaware Bay and River. With a career spanning over three decades, Medd has played a pivotal role in ensuring maritime safety and efficiency.
Beyond his operational duties, Medd contributes to the development of future maritime professionals. As the Apprentice Pilot Program Administrator for the Pilots’ Association, he oversees the training and examination of new pilots, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards required for safe navigation.
Medd’s commitment to public service is further exemplified by his tenure as the former Sussex County liquor Commissioner.
In addition to his maritime endeavors, Medd is deeply involved in community service. He serves as the president of the Delaware Junior Golf Scholarship Fund, a nonprofit organization. Under his leadership, the fund has awarded over $1.8 million in scholarships to 170 students since its inception in 1986, supporting young golfers in their pursuit of higher education.
Earlier in his career, Medd served as Vice President of Medd’s Dairy Markets Inc. from 1985 to 1997, contributing to the family’s longstanding presence in Delaware’s business community.
Medd also contributed to academia by teaching in the Business Department at Wesley College, sharing his industry experience with students.
Medd holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Wesley College and an MBA from Wilmington University.
Ruth Ann Miller, Controller General
Ruth Ann Miller was appointed to the office of Controller General by the Legislative Council of the Delaware General Assembly in December 2020. The Office of the Controller General is the nonpartisan fiscal oversight arm of Delaware’s legislative branch and is responsible for preparing the state’s annual appropriations legislation. As Controller General, Ruth Ann serves on various committees and boards on behalf of the legislative branch, including the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Committee, the Cash Management Policy Board, and the State Employee Benefits Committee.
Ruth Ann is the first woman to hold the role of Controller General within the Delaware legislature. Her state public service career has spanned over ten years, where she has worked in various financial and program capacities within executive branch agencies before joining the legislative branch in 2018.
Ruth Ann holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Science in Public Administration.
The Honorable Michael Smith
Michael R. Smith was sworn in as Delaware’s 19th Secretary of Finance on January 28, 2025. He was nominated by Governor Matt Meyer and confirmed by the Delaware Senate. The Secretary of Finance is the state’s chief financial officer and is responsible for promoting Delaware’s fiscal health through fair and efficient forecasting, generation, collection and accounting of state funds. He oversees the State’s Division of Revenue, Division of Accounting, Office of Unclaimed Property, and the State Lottery Office. Together these agencies collected a record $4.5 billion in gross revenue for the State’s General Fund in Fiscal Year 2024. The Office of the Secretary is also responsible for statewide revenue forecasting, tax policy analysis, and bond finance. Secretary Smith serves on several financial oversight bodies, including the Delaware Public Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees, the Delaware Health Care Commission, and the Cash Management Policy Board to name a few.
Michael R. Smith has spent 18 years in finance leadership roles within Delaware’s state and county governments, advising senior cabinet members and elected officials on matters of finance, tax, and law. Michael served as Chief Financial Officer for New Castle County, overseeing Treasury (county property tax/sewer charges); Accounting (financial reporting, performance audits, accounts payable, payroll, grants management); Budget (operating and capital); Cash and Debt Management; Assessment; and Pension. Michael’s strong financial leadership and strategic planning ensured the County’s highest credit ratings possible were maintained and left the County with historic financial reserves.
Previously, he served as Deputy Director of the Delaware Division of Revenue, where he was responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Delaware tax code, the processing of tax returns and forms, and the daily operations of all offices within the Division. Michael earned his Juris Doctorate with a concentration in tax from the Widener University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in economics and finance from the University of Waterloo.
Marietta “Peaches” Whalen
Ms. Whalen, a Delaware labor leader and community activist, worked for General Motors Wilmington Plant for three decades and was the United Auto Workers (UAW) Corporate Communications Coordinator, a position she was appointed to in 1992, and has been retired since 2009. She is the current Vice President of the Delaware State UAW CAP (Community Action Program) Council, a position she’s held since 2005, past Executive Board Member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), Life Member of the NAACP since 1992. Peaches is also a certified union organizer and an AFL-CIO Union Counselor.
She was appointed by Mayor Sills to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee for the African American Museum. In 2008 she was appointed to the New Castle County Board of Adjustments by Senator Chris Coons and retired in 2014. In 2009 she was appointed to the Diamond State Port Corporation Board of Directors by Governor Jack Markell; and in 2017 was reappointed by Governor John Carney.
Blessed with boundless energy, a sense of commitment to serve, she has participated in many activities which including the Board of Directors of the Howard High Alumni Association, member of the Women’s Affirmative Action Committee of New Jersey, former member United Way Board of Directors as well as numerous other volunteer activities.
She has received The Nation Building ‘Lean On Me’ Award as well as recognition for outstanding work and community commitment from the Governor of Delaware, Mayor of Wilmington, United Way, Philip Randolph Institute, NCCJ, UAW, ILA, The King Center, ILA and many others. In 1999, she was selected as an honoree in an exhibit “African American Women of Distinction” in Delaware.