Collins nominated to head state IT department
James Collins has been nominated to become the next Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Delaware Department of Technology and Information.
If confirmed by the State Senate, Collins would succeed Jim Sills, who will become CEO of Mechanics and Farmers Bank in September after serving as in the post since 2009.
State Technology Chief Operating Officer William Hickox will serve as Acting CIO immediately following Sills’ departure.
“James understands that nearly every initiative we undertake as a state involves information technology,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “His expertise in this field along with his impressive record of developing and implementing innovative services make him an ideal candidate to serve as the state’s Chief Information Officer.
Collins, who earned a Master of Science in Managing Innovation and Information Technology from Champlain College in 2005, spent ten years as the Director of Delaware’s Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) in the Department of State. He served simultaneously as Deputy Secretary of State from 2009 – 2013, where he helped to manage nearly 600 employees and expand the state’s e-Government initiatives and use of information technology.
Collins also led the establishment of the Delaware Prescription Monitoring Program database to combat a statewide prescription drug abuse problem. The system, used by a significant portion of Delaware physicians, serves as a tool for to prevent drug-seeking “doctor shoppers” from abusing prescription medications.
Collins left the Department in January to become the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, a position that includes acting as Markell’s policy advisor on issues relating to the technology department.
“I am thrilled and humbled to be nominated by Governor Markell to lead DTI,” said Collins. “If confirmed, I will take very seriously the agency’s most important obligation to safeguard the state’s data and information systems, and to provide agencies with strong support in order to help them deliver the highest quality services to our ultimate customers – the people of Delaware.
“I know the state is highly dependent on secure information systems that are functioning at their highest levels. If given the opportunity to serve, it will be my priority to work with the talented team at DTI to make the agency’s expertise and assistance readily available for these initiatives.”
Prior to joining the Department of State, Collins implemented large-scale computer technology projects as a senior consultant with Peregrine Systems, an enterprise software company, and Maximus Inc., a leading operator of government health and human services programs.
Collins, 44, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wesley College in 1997, while serving in the United States Air Force for nearly nine years, before finishing his military career at Dover Air Force Base.
Staff members announced
at Community Foundation
The Delaware Community Foundation announced the following:
De’Sean Deary, of Patterson, N.J., is the DCF’s new accounting associate. Deary graduated from Delaware State University in 2013 with a degree in accounting and is currently a student in DSU’s master’s of business administration program. Deary served as a corporate tax and small business lending intern with CIT, a New Jersey-based financial holding company.
Kelly Sheridan, administrative/development assistant for the DCF’s Georgetown office, recently moved from Baltimore to Lewes. Sheridan has more than 23 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including special events, annual giving, and database management. Most recently, Sheridan was annual giving manager at The Family Tree in Maryland, a statewide child abuse prevention agency.
Marie Mauk Stewart, client services manager, spent more than 30 years in client services and human resource management at Fort Hill Company and DuPont. A Wilmington resident and graduate of the University of Delaware, Stewart recently completed a three-year term as board chair for the Music School of Delaware and also served two terms as president of the Wilmington Arts Commission under Mayor Dan Frawley. She also has served on the boards of United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware, Children’s Home of Delaware, the Delaware Symphony, Opera Delaware, and the American School in London.
Terri Waller, of New Castle, is the DCF’s new administrative assistant/office manager. Waller has 30 years of experience as an executive administrative assistant at the Raskob Foundation and the New Castle County Education Association. Waller is a member of the Blood Bank of Delmarva LifeSaver Club and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.
Hardy promoted by APM
Paul Hardy was recently promoted to Commercial – Key Accounts Manager for Advanced Pest Management (APM). Paul joined APM as a commercial sales representative three years ago and has led the company in commercial sales over the past three years. Paul brings 16 years of sales experience to the position. Paul has earned many Industry awards over the years including Rookie of the Year, and six Presidents Cup wins.
Paul also earned a Master’s Degree in Administrative Management from the University of Maryland.
In his new role, Paul will Steward all commercial accounts and will be responsible for bringing new larger accounts into the fold. APM is one of the largest family owned pest controlled companies in America with six Mid-Atlantic offices and more than $6 million in sales. APM is a full-service company and offers over 26 services in addition to pest control.
Ritchie joins PAWS for People
Wilmington resident Clarice Ritchie has joined PAWS for People, the Newark-based pet therapy organization, as Coordinator for Community Engagement.
Ritchie will have responsibility for identifying opportunities for PAWS to establish new and develop existing community relationships; and in general, building awareness of and appreciation for PAWS for People and pet therapy throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. She will coordinate and manage major community and special events such as the annual Wag-n-Walk (coming up on October 25th), the Jingle Bell Brunch and Easter Bone Hunt, as well as other fund-raising events and community outreach programs.
Prior to joining PAWS for People, Ritchie was with the American Cancer Society where she served as Senior Manager for Relay for Life for the Delmarva Peninsula. She also has been a volunteer with other pet-related programs, as well as The Meadowood Program of the Red Clay Consolidated School District, working with students with moderate to severe disabilities. PAWS for People is a volunteer non-profit organization that provides one-on-one animal-assisted therapy and comfort for children and adults with physical, social, and emotional challenges.
Berkshire Hathaway sales awards
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors announced sales associates on their national quarterly sales performance awards ranking them throughout the nationwide Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network.
Michele and Earl Endrich, of Team Endrich, Sales Associates in the Hockessin-Pike Creek Home Marketing Center, were recognized as one of the top 3 teams in DE They placed 3rd for total gross commission income (GCI) for the first quarter of 2014 and second in GCI and residential units during the second quarter. The Sordelet Team, including David and Iris Sordelet, are Newark Sales Associates who were recognized as the top 3 teams placing 3rd place for residential units.
Michael Wilson, a Sales Associate in the Brandywine Office, was awarded in the top individuals category, placing second in DE for total GCI and residential units for the first quarter of 2014. Gary Williams, a Sales Associate from the Bear Office, was recognized as one of the 3 top agents in the state, coming in third for residential units in the second quarter of 2014. Charles Rappa, a Sales Associate in the Hockessin-Pike Creek Home Marketing Center, was one of the top 3 agents in the state, placing 3rd for total GCI in the second quarter of 2014.
Bayhealth welcomes physician
Bayhealth Family Medicine, Harrington announced it has expanded its services with the addition of Paul K. Pulchny, DO. The practice will now accept patients from birth through all stages of life.
The practice is part of the Bayhealth Medical Group, a partnership of highly trained physicians, their clinical staff, and an administrative support team that operates practices throughout central and southern Delaware.
Dr. Pulchny prides himself on being a thorough physician who develops treatment plans to best meet the needs of his patients. A family medicine physician, he cares for patients from birth through all stages of life.
Dr. Pulchny earned his medical degree from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa, Okla., in 2011. He completed a residency in family medicine at INTEGRIS Family Care Northwest in Enid, Okla., in 2014. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Dr. Pulchny recently moved to Delaware where his wife was born and raised.
Bayhealth Family Medicine, Harrington is located at 205 Shaw Avenue.
