People on the Move: Dec. 9

People on the Move is a rundown of recent hirings, promotions, appointments and other notable movements by professionals in the state. If you’re interested in submitting an entry, please contact news@delawarebusinesstimes.com.

Kevin Gross | PHOTO COURTESY OF RLF

Kevin Gross, a director of Richards, Layton & Finger, has received the Delaware State Bar Association’s 2022 Kimmel/Thynge ADR Award.  The ADR Section of the DSBA created this award in honor of Morton Richard Kimmel and Chief Magistrate Judge Thynge’s significant contributions to alternative dispute resolution in Delaware. Gross, one of two recipients this year, has received the award in recognition of his role in the development and implementation of mediation in the Delaware bankruptcy court and the caliber of his current ADR practice.

Gross was a judge on the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware for 14 years, including serving as chief judge from 2011 to 2014.  During his tenure on the Delaware bankruptcy court, Gross presided over some of the highest-profile reorganizations in the country.  Renowned for his cheerful demeanor and his ability to forge consensus, Gross also developed a national reputation as a mediator of choice to help resolve complex chapter 11 matters.

Gross continues his mediation practice at Richards, Layton & Finger, which he joined in 2020 at the conclusion of his term on the Delaware bankruptcy court.  At Richards Layton, Gross acts as a mediator in chapter 11 cases, including plan mediations and other complex and high-stakes mediations, as well as serving as an examiner and assisting the firm’s clients in all aspects of chapter 11 matters. 

Breanna Hollifield | PHOTO COURTESY OF BAYHEALTH

Bayhealth welcomes Physician Assistant Breanna Hollifield, PA-C, to help care for the ear, nose and throat (ENT) needs of the community. She joins Catherine Wright, MD; David Roberson, MD; and Robert Nadratowski, PA-C; in the Bayhealth ENT, Dover practice. Breanna is currently accepting new patients.

“We’re excited to add a highly-trained physician assistant to our Bayhealth ENT team,” Bayhealth Vice President, Physician Services and Clinical Integration Lawrence Ward, MD, MPH, FACP, said. “Breanna will help us meet the high demand for this type of specialty care in our area. She’ll see patients for everything from chronic ear or sinus infections to allergy problems and vertigo.”

Breanna earned her Master of Physician Assistant Medicine from the University of Lynchburg in Virginia. There she participated in the Virginia Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Program, helping underserved communities while gaining clinical experience with a range of health concerns.

Life Enrichment at Shipley Living, a retirement community, announced Samantha Oropeza has been promoted to director.

Sam Oropeza | PHOTO COURTESY OF SHIPLEY LIVING

Oropeza began working professionally at Shipley in 2016, coordinating activities for the senior living community. Her responsibilities have included directing and managing engaging, person-centered programming for residents of independent living, assisted living, memory care, and healthcare.

Describing herself as being a combination of “caring, goofy, and thoughtful,” she said she most values “the individualized relationships that I’ve built with our residents. I also love being able to provide them with companionship when their families are unable to.”

Tim Ballas, the Executive Director of Shipley Living, said in a statement, “Our vision here at Shipley Living, is to be the first choice of those looking for an active and engaging lifestyle and community life program,” he said, “She is bringing a new energy and a new direction to the community, the team, and to the residents at Shipley. We have been building a team around our new standards and expectations which we all excited to see take root and blossom.”