People on the Move: June 10

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.

Sonel Shropshire | PHOTO COURTESY OF DSU

Delaware State University named Sonel Shropshire an expert in the diversification of colleges and universities to lead its Global Institute on Equity, Inclusion and Civil Rights.

Shropshire founded The Academic Network, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in diversity, inclusion, and equity in 2006.  He created Diversity Strategic Plans for nearly 70 percent of all colleges and universities nationwide and counseled more than 250 college and university presidents on diversity, inclusion and equity policies. 

“Delaware State University is thrilled to welcome back Sonel Shropshire, who has a deep understanding of diversity, inclusion and equity policies and procedures,” Provost and Chief Academic Officer Saundra DeLauder said in a statement. “Under his leadership, the Global Institute is sure to reach its mission and goals.”

The Global Institute was founded with a mission to not only raise awareness about issues surrounding equity, but to bring together people and organizations that can transform communities around the world. Shropshire’s main roles with institute will be forging partnerships with institutions that can bring projects, opportunities and fair programs to communities, including Dover, Delaware, the Dominican Republic and Africa.

“We can’t do this alone,” Shropshire said. “We need persons who are interested in assisting and we need partnerships that will allow us not only to realize the goal of the institute but also enhance their own organization. We all know there is an economic gap between cultures. We know there is a health disparity between groups of people. We all know there is an access issue. So, what we are trying to do with the Global Institute is find pathways that will help us close the gaps, so everyone can be on an equal playing field.”

Community Bank Delaware announced the promotion of Christopher Benjamin to senior vice president of the lending group.

Benjamin joined the bank in 2016 and has been successful in growing its loan portfolio, adding new relationships and managing existing customers. Benjamin’s role is dedicated to helping grow the bank’s consumer and business loan portfolio base throughout Sussex County. He works with clients on all facets of residential home lending, and with small business clients on their loan and deposit needs.

“It is important that I continue to work with and support the community in which I live. The decisions are made here locally to keep our customers’ best interests in mind, which is a strong value Community Bank Delaware and I have in common,” Benjamin said.

Samantha Maiorano | PHOTO COURTESY OF COVER & ROSSITER

Cover & Rossiter, a public accounting and advisory firm, announced:

Peter Hopkins | PHOTO COURTESY OF COVER & ROSSITER

Peter Hopkins has been promoted to principal in the Tax Department. Hopkins joined Cover & Rossiter in 2015 and has established a reputation for his excellent analytical skills, broad technical knowledge and commitment to optimizing his clients’ tax situation. In his words, “I work with clients to plan for and minimize their taxes; for those who prefer not to plan, I do damage control.” Previously, he spent 20 years practicing public accounting in New York City. 

Hopkins is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration in public accountancy and his master of science in taxation from Baruch College. Hopkins is also an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America and has served as a volunteer Scout leader for many years. 

Samantha Maiorano has been promoted to Supervisor in the Audit Department. Maiorano joined Cover & Rossiter in July 2016. She received her bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of Delaware.

Rebecca Furey | PHOTO COURTESY OF COVER & ROSSITER

Maiorano is a young founder with the Fund for Women, an endowment held at the Delaware Community Foundation that provides grants to support women’s and girls’ programs in Delaware. She is also a mentor for Fresh Start Scholarship.

Rebecca Furey has been promoted to senior accountant. Furey joined Cover & Rossiter full-time in September 2020. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Widener University. While completing her degree, she held two internships at Cover & Rossiter in the Tax Department in 2019 and 2020.

Steven Marra | PHOTO COURTESY OF BEEBE

Beebe Healthcare welcomed board certified cardiothoracic surgeon Steven Marra, MD, FACS, to its medical staff. 

Dr. Marra has specialized in cardiac surgery for more than 20 years. Previously, he was the Cardiothoracic Division Chief at Commonwealth Health’s Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. During his career, he has also served as a medical director and vice chair, in addition to many years as an attending surgeon. 

Dr. Marra earned his medical degree and residency at MetroHealth Saint Luke’s Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

“Being Sussex County’s healthcare provider of choice means having the expertise of surgeons such as Dr. Marra in your backyard,” said David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, President & CEO, Beebe Healthcare. “Quality cardiology care and cardiothoracic surgery is a pillar of any community health system. We are excited to welcome Dr. Marra’s expertise and experience to Team Beebe.”

Dr. Marra previously served as an adjunct professor at Drexel University, the Commonwealth Medical College, and Vanderbilt University, as well as holding a professor role at James Madison University and Cooper University Hospital in New Jersey.  

“I am very excited to be given the opportunity to join the already accomplished and committed administrative and medical staff here at Beebe Healthcare,” Dr. Marra said in a statement. “The local community can be assured of Beebe’s commitment to providing high quality care and services right here close to home.”     

Marlette Holdings, Inc., a financial technology provider and operator of Best Egg financial platform, announced the addition of Adele Chandler as managing director, brand strategy. In her role, she will be responsible for driving the company’s brand strategy by harnessing the power of creativity and out-of-category thinking.

“Adele is the perfect addition to our leadership team and is joining our company at just the right time,” Chief Strategy Officer at Best Egg Sabrina DeVito said in a statement. “Her extensive experience in brand strategy and marketing, especially within the financial space, will help Best Egg as we continue to grow and expand our consumer product offerings. We plan to launch new products on our platform in the coming months, and we’re excited to have Adele developing and guiding our brand strategy efforts.”

Chandler brings more than 25 years of personal finance, brand, and innovation marketing experience to the team, having served recently as Head of Brand and Advertising for JPMorgan Chase’s consumer credit card, auto, and home lending businesses. She has led brand, marketing, and product for leading card brands such as Southwest Airlines, Chase Freedom, and Chase Sapphire.

Adele began her career at MBNA and has held leadership positions at FICO and Wachovia. She graduated from Universidad de Sevilla and Gettysburg College.