Bernice Whaley – who worked her way up through the ranks to serve in one of the top jobs at a major employer in Delaware – was nominated for the post of Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office.
If confirmed , she would succeed her long-time boss Alan Levin. Levin announced on Friday he would step down at the end of June to serve as Senior Advisor for SoDel Concepts, a coastal Sussex County restaurant and catering group.
Whaley has been serving as deputy director for DEDO.
“Bernice is a remarkable person who has overcome significant personal challenges and adversity to succeed in business and in the public sector,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “Over 25 years, she was a vital piece of the team that grew Happy Harry’s from a local retailer with 13 stores into the leading drug store chain in our state and region. She knows what it takes to create and grow a business, and since joining DEDO in 2009, she has brought that experience to work for Delaware businesses.”
Whaley joined DEDO after serving as the long-time vice president of inventory management for Levin’s Happy Harry’s drug store chain.
After the sale of Happy Harry’s to Walgreens, she later joined Levin when he formed a consulting firm with Mark Stellini, the founder of the InfoSystems information technology and telecommunications company. Like Levin, Stellini had sold he firm.
Stellini now chairs the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and has other business interests.
She came to DEDO, a few years after the agency had undergone a controversial management shake-up that left it without many veteran employees who had contacts in the business community and with legislators.
The nomination of Whaley had been widely rumored, since Gov. Jack Markell said he would move quickly to fill the vacancy.
The vacancy also comes during the final period of Markell’s term, a time when in-house management often takes cabinet posts.
However, a compelling life story and a solid track record at the development office would seem to be make her a strong choice for the next administration.
DEDO also has ongoing projects in place that can include financial incentives for companies expanding or relocating to the state and require day-t0-day direction.
The Delaware economy has improved markedly since Levin took over as DEDO director in 2009, with the unemployment rate falling well below 5 percent.
However, the state continues to face financial challenges as income tax, corporate fees and casino revenues come in at disappointing levels.
Concern has also grown over the quality of jobs and the amount of state incentives needed to retain and attract employers to the state.
However; the state often feels it has little choice as other states continue to offer incentives.
Raised by a single mother who passed away when she was a teenager, Whaley attended the University of Delaware while working full time.
Upon graduation, Whaley took an entry-level position managing inventory at Happy Harry’s, which had only 13 stores and approximately 100 employees.
Over the next 25 years as Happy Harry’s grew to 76 stores and 2, 800 employees, Whaley served as Vice President of Distribution and Inventory Management, managing all aspects of Happy Harry’s inventory, supply chain, and operation of distribution centers.
In June of 2009, Whaley became Deputy Director of DEDO. As Deputy Director, Whaley manages the Office’s day-to-day operations, including leading business development and attraction projects, working with site advisors, and leading the development of the State’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
Two business leaders in the state praised Whaley’s work
“I have known and worked with Bernice Whaley for over 10 years,” said Jim Kelly, executive vice president at Capital One. “Bernice has a unique track record of success in business, community, and government endeavors. As Deputy Director of Economic Development she has aggressively represented the best interests of Delawareans and helped to build the foundation for tomorrow’s economy.”
“SevOne owes its roots in Delaware to the proactive, supportive efforts of DEDO,” said company CFO Mike Shanahan. “As we considered expansion alternatives, Bernice was a great resource, bringing together various parties public and private to make it possible for us to stay here. Bernice guided us through the process of committing to our new home at the STAR campus and she proved to be resourcef
