Gov. John Carney nominated Cerron Cade – director of the Delaware Division of Small Business, Development, and Tourism – to serve as the next Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor.
Cade’s nomination is subject to approval by the Delaware Senate.
As Labor Secretary, Cade would lead a 420-employee department that oversees workforce development and training programs for the State of Delaware, unemployment insurance programs, labor law enforcement, and economic forecasting for the state.
“Cerron has a proven ability to lead, and the knowledge and experience necessary to take on this important role,” said Carney. “The Department of Labor’s work connecting Delawareans with relevant job training and workforce development programs has never been more important. Cerron understands the needs of Delaware businesses from his time at the Small Business Division and, before that, at the Delaware Economic Development Office. I’m confident that Cerron’s experience will serve Delaware and Delaware workers well. I look forward to the Delaware Senate considering his nomination.”
Last year, as Acting Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO), Cade managed the wind-down of DEDO and the creation of the new Division of Small Business, Development, and Tourism within the Delaware Department of State. He serves as the division’s director, leading a team responsible for providing services to Delaware businesses, administration of the Delaware Strategic Fund, and marketing Delaware as a tourist destination.
The industry recruiting and retention side of DEDO is now handled by the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, a public-private entity with funding from public and private sources and exemptions from open meetings laws.
“I am honored to be nominated by Governor Carney to lead the Department of Labor,” said Cade. “Connecting Delaware businesses with skilled employees has been a large part of my focus as DEDO has transitioned into the new Division. If confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to using that experience to help the state’s workforce thrive in this changing economy.”
Cade would replace Secretary Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, who will join Delaware State University as Dean of Graduate, Adult, and Continuing Studies next month. Gilliam-Johnson will leave office as Labor Secretary on February 2.
The department has been struggling with allegations of bias that led to the departure of a former cabinet secretary during the Markell Administration.
“Secretary Gilliam-Johnson has led the Department of Labor with distinction during a time where we have faced many challenges across state government and have been focused on the importance of building strong, inclusive environments where people feel valued and supported,” said Carney. “I could not be more grateful for her service.”
Cade grew up in Washington D.C. and moved to Delaware to study Political Science and Law Studies at Delaware State University. Cade has worked as a Legislative Aide for the Delaware State House of Representatives, New Castle County Deputy County Director for U.S. Senator Tom Carper and State Projects Director for then-Congressman John Carney.
Cade joined Governor Jack Markell’s staff as Legislative Liaison in 2015. Last summer, Governor Carney appointed Cade to serve as DEDO’s Acting Director to lead the office’s transition, where he previously served as Deputy Director.
