New Castle County Executive-elect, Matt Meyer named Kathleen Jennings as Chief Administrative Officer.
Jennings will begin serving as New Castle County’s CAO when Meyer, the 45-year-old teacher and small business owner, takes office on January 3rd. Meyer unseated three-term county executive Thomas Gordon. The chief administrative officer oversees county departments and is the second most powerful executive position in the county.
Meyer unseated three-term county executive Thomas Gordon. The chief administrative officer oversees county departments and is the second most powerful executive position in the county.
“Kathy’s leadership will serve our county residents well as we seek to make local government more honest, efficient and transparent,” Meyer said.
“I’m excited to get to work,” said Jennings. “Matt is a change agent and I look forward to creating positive change for our county.”
Attorney General Matt Denn said, “The Department of Justice is very grateful to Kathy Jennings for her service as State Prosecutor for the past five years, and wishes her good luck in her new position with New Castle County. As State Prosecutor, Kathy’s years of experience as a successful prosecutor were a great benefit to the department and to the many prosecutors for whom she served as a supervisor and mentor. We are confident she will find great success with the county.”
As a State Prosecutor Jennings has overseen all criminal prosecutions throughout the state and has supervised a staff of more than 250 prosecutors, paralegals, investigators, social workers and administrative assistants.
Jennings has worked with the Attorney General, General Assembly, Governor’s office and others to advocate for public interest legislation, including reforming the three strikes sentencing law. She has also worked closely with the Police Chiefs Council to institute a statewide policy for police body cameras.
Earlier in her career, she prosecuted Steven Pennell, perhaps the state’s only serial killer. He was executed for his crimes that took place along the Route 40 corridor.
Jennings spent 16 years in private practice and 22 years in public service with the Department of Justice, administering a $20 million budget and establishing a consumer protection division within the department. Jennings also serves in a pro bono capacity on the boards of the Hope Commission and Justin’s Beach House.
The chief administrative officer oversees county departments. Gordon’s recent term in office was marked by controversies involving his relationship wth former chief administrative officer David Grimaldi. Grimaldi was fired after a falling out between the two men, with Grimaldi filing suit against Gordon.
Grimaldi was fired after a falling out between the two men, with Grimaldi filing suit against Gordon. Tapes were released featuring frank and four-letter-word-laden exchanges involving political figures and others.
She will supervise a county staff that includes long-time employees and political appointees.
