WILMINGTON — Delaware Director of the Office of Management and Budget Cerron Cade will become chief of staff for outgoing Governor John Carney as Carney becomes Wilmington’s next mayor in the new year.
Cade’s transition is the latest in a series of job changes among high-ranking Delaware officials after the Nov. 5 election. He is the first cabinet member to officially announce his next move. The decision is not a complete surprise as Cade has a long history of working with Carney, dating back to serving as his campaign manager during his 2016 campaign.
“Serving alongside Mayor-elect Carney is an honor, and I am excited to help advance his vision for Wilmington,” Cade said in a prepared statement. “Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to finding solutions that make government work better for the people it serves, and I look forward to bringing that same commitment to the Mayor’s Office.”
When Carney was sworn in the state’s highest elected office, Cade was appointed to lead the now-defunct Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) which later transitioned into the state’s Division of Small Business. Carney later formed a public-private partnership with the Delaware Prosperity Partnership to help attract and retain big and small businesses to the First State.
After his time at DEDO, Cade was tapped to be Carney’s Secretary of Labor where he launched the first contractor registration system and had to contend with record-breaking unemployment during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since 2021, Cade has served as the Director of the Delaware Office of Management & Budget which is tasked with crafting and managing the state’s $6 billion operating budget as well as facilities and support services. During his tenure, the state has enjoyed an influx of American Rescue Act Funds and has seen its spending plan grow 43% since Fiscal Year 2022.
“Cerron has been a trusted advisor and an exceptional leader throughout his career,” Carney said in a prepared statement. “His deep knowledge of government operations, strategic insight, and dedication to public service make him the ideal choice to help guide our city. I look forward to working closely with Cerron to address the needs of our community and deliver results for the people we serve.”
As Gov.-elect Matt Meyer has two months to prepare before he takes the oath of office, he will also be tasked with selecting who will be in his cabinet and to oversee policy and direction to the state government’s critical offices. Earlier this week, Meyer told the press he had no updates on cabinet selections but his transition team is set to hold open meetings to discuss policy matters on education and sustainability matters tonight.
Carney is set to take the oath of office as Mayor of Wilmington on Jan. 7 – two weeks before Meyer officially becomes governor. The Office of Management and Budget will reportedly have a recommended operating and capital budget prepared before Carney’s departure. The Meyer administration will have a chance to make adjustments to the budget during the mark-up in spring – much like how Carney had in his first year in office.
Editor’s note: the article has been updated to include that the Meyer administration will have the opportunity to make adjustments to the FY 2026 budget in the spring.
