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.
The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors® (SIOR) recently elected Wills Elliman, a senior managing director at Newmark in Wilmington, Del., to serve a two-year term on the SIOR Regional Director in the Mid-Atlantic Region. He will assume the position at SIOR’s Fall 2025 conference in Louisville, Ky., this November.
A veteran of the commercial real estate industry with over 35 years of experience, Elliman specializes in office brokerage and advisory services. He joined SIOR in 1996 and is recognized for his leadership, strategic insight, and consistent performance in tenant representation, landlord leasing, and corporate services.
SIOR represents the gold standard in our industry—where trust, collaboration, and market expertise come together to elevate how we serve our clients and communities. I’m proud to support that mission and help strengthen our collective impact across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Elliman joined Newmark in 2001 and earned his SIOR designation in 1996, his CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation in 1998, and his Master of Corporate Real Estate (MCR) from CoreNet Global in 2004. A graduate of Deerfield Academy and Duke University—where he also spent a semester at Oxford University (Exeter College)—he remains active in CoreNet, SIOR, and CCIM to stay at the forefront of market trends and industry innovation.
Joyce Robert, MD, FAAFP, a founding program director for its Family Medicine Residency, has been named president of the Delaware Academy of Family Physicians (DAFP). Dr. Robert is transitioning into this leadership role after serving for the past year as President-elect for DAFP.
DAFP is committed to promoting excellence in healthcare and the betterment of health services across the state of Delaware. It unites physicians from across the state for collaborative conversations about how to address diverse healthcare challenges and puts the spotlight on those who are contributing to advancements in medicine.
Being part of DAFP’s leadership team has given Dr. Robert a unique opportunity to showcase the progressive growth Beebe has experienced since launching its Family Medicine Residency in 2023, which is part of the R. Randall Rollins Center for Medical Education. She has played an instrumental role in planning, research, curriculum development, planning of scholarly activities, faculty recruitment, and resident onboarding and training.
“I am incredibly honored to represent Beebe as President of the Delaware Academy of Family Physicians and am looking forward to working collaboratively with many of my colleagues from across the state of Delaware, who are equally committed to healthcare advancement and improvement,” Dr. Robert said. “As physicians, we are doing our part to assure those who live in Delaware have access to high quality, comprehensive, cost-efficient healthcare. We are also working to address the physician shortage in Delaware and plan to engage more medical students and resident physicians with state-level advocacy and mentorship.”
The Kendal Corporation (TKC), a senior living nonprofit organization, appointed Deborah McCardell the senior director of human resources.
McCardell brings over 26 years of professional experience, including more than 17 years in HR leadership. She comes to TKC from Kendal at Ithaca, a Kendal Affiliate in New York, where she served as director of human resources and earned widespread recognition for her ability to create positive work environments and drive meaningful changes. McCardell has also been assisting TKC as an interim director of human resources for several months.
An Army veteran, McCardell previously served as the human resources director of the William George Agency for Children’s Services.
“Deb’s leadership, dedication and expertise have made a lasting impact at Kendal at Ithaca,” Vassar Byrd, CEO of The Kendal Corporation, said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have her bring that same energy and passion to TKC full time. Her commitment to supporting employees, Affiliates and residents genuinely reflects Kendal’s values.”
McCardell has developed a deep passion for enhancing the employee experience and supporting older adults.
“I’ve always been driven to create the best possible work experience for all employees,” McCardell said. “At Kendal, that drive has only deepened through my work with the aging community. I look forward to working with the Kendal team to contribute to the success of every staff member and each Affiliate organization while continuing to support our shared mission with enthusiasm and heart.”
At Kendal, McCardell will oversee strategic human resources efforts, including talent acquisition, employee engagement and performance management for The Kendal Corporation and across the Kendal System, which includes 10 affiliate organizations nationwide. Her leadership will be pivotal as TKC continues to advance the employee experience at Kendal and attract people to work in the field of aging.
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore welcomed Mike Eppehimer to its advisory board.
“I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to join the Easterseals Advisory Board,” Eppehimer said. “The mission of Easterseals made a powerful impression on me more than a decade ago when I was a Leadership Delaware Fellow. I am excited to continue to build on our collaboration as we engage our current Fellows and alumni in the life-changing work of Easterseals.”
Eppehimer stepped into the role of CEO of Leadership Delaware, Inc. (LDI) in January after previously serving the organization as a Fellow, Board Member, speaker, and mentor. Prior to his role at LDI, he has served as the Founder of Threefold Yes Consulting and was a healthcare executive at ChristianaCare and The George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
“We look forward to engaging Mike on our Advisory Board,” Easterseals President/CEO, Kenan Sklenar, said. “Easterseals has enjoyed a long and valued relationship with Leadership Delaware. We are excited to see this partnership continue to grow under Mike’s leadership.”
The Beebe Healthcare Board of Directors welcomed its newest members: Jack Berberian, Khalil Saliba, and, Dr. James Spellman.
The Board expresses its appreciation to retiring members R. Christian Hudson, Eric Sugrue, and Mouhanad Freih, MD, for their dedication and contributions.
“I want to thank Christian, Eric, and Dr. Freih for their vast contributions to Beebe, and welcome our new directors,” said Mike Meoli, Board Chair. “Their deep connections to Sussex County, both personally and professionally, will be invaluable as we continue to advance Beebe’s mission.”
Berberian joins the Board as a member of the Finance and Strategic Planning Committees. Throughout his career, he has successfully established and grown organizations, including Legal Zoom HBS, Inc., MedTix, LLC, and SecureNetMD, the region’s first healthcare IT company with an emphasis on EHR platforms. Many of SecureNetMD’s clients include major hospitals, leading medical facilities, and expanding campuses.
Berberian serves his communities in many capacities. He is a Commissioner of the DHRC and a member of the Unemployment Advisory Council to the Governor for the State of Delaware. He also serves as a Board Member for the USO, the Sussex County STEM Alliance, and the RBYCC Foundation.
Berberian takes Sugrue’s seat, who served for eight years and was Chair of the Compensation Committee.
Saliba joins the Board as Chair of the Beebe Medical Foundation and as a member of the Executive and Strategic Planning Committees. The Lewes native is well-known throughout the community and Beebe. His father, Dr. Anis K. Saliba, who passed away in March 2024, served for 33 distinguished years on Beebe boards.
Saliba founded Saliba Action Strategies LLC in July 2000 to provide business interests, trade associations, and nonprofit organizations with targeted and personal representation in Washington, D.C. Previously, he served in the Bush Administration as a Special Assistant at the Department of Energy from 1991–1993, as a political aide to Republican National Committee Chairman Haley Barbour from 1993–1995, and at The Wexler Group, a government affairs firm, from 1995–2000.
Saliba is active in a host of community organizations and currently serves on the Boards of the Greater Lewes Foundation and ACCESS, a nonprofit dedicated to developing affordable housing in eastern Sussex County. He was elected to the Lewes City Council in 2021 and also serves as Deputy Mayor.
Saliba takes Hudson’s seat, who served on the Board for six years and was Chair of the Beebe Medical Foundation prior to Saliba. He served on numerous committees.
Dr. Spellman was appointed to the Board of Directors in April and is co-chair of the Quality and Safety Committee. An accomplished surgeon, researcher, and author of professional articles in medical journals and books, Dr. Spellman has been a member of Beebe’s Medical Staff since 1996.
Dr. Spellman has dedicated his career to the advancement of the surgical oncology field. He has helped build a program that was one of the first in the region to offer advanced procedures, allowing many patients to receive care locally. He paved the way for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, Stereotactic Biopsy, and Sentinel Node Biopsy to be performed at Beebe. He has spearheaded numerous accreditations for programs developed at Beebe. Prior to coming to Delaware, Dr. Spellman was a member of the Department of Surgical Oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute under the direction of Nicholas Petrelli, MD.
Dr. Spellman is a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist and is board certified in general surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and of The Society of Surgical Oncology. Dr. Spellman earned his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He completed his residency at Stamford Hospital and his fellowship at the Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago.
Dr. Spellman takes over for Dr. Freih after six years on the Board. Dr. Freih continues caring for interventional cardiology patients and advancing heart care in Sussex County.
“Beebe Healthcare is dedicated to caring for Sussex County during this tremendous time of growth and uncertainty in the healthcare landscape,” said David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, President & CEO, Beebe Healthcare. “Beebe remains strong and ready to take on these challenges thanks to the support and guidance of our Board.”
Jamar Rahming, executive director of Wilmington Institute Free Library in Delaware and President-Elect of the Public Library Association, has been named CEO of the Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL).
“To be chosen as the CEO of one of the country’s best and busiest library systems is a tremendous honor and responsibility,” Rahming said. “CCPL touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of people every year by providing opportunities that meet the diverse needs of the communities they serve. I’m thrilled to work with the dedicated Board of Trustees and talented staff to lead this great organization and build upon its rich history of excellence.”
“While the City of Wilmington, Delaware, will miss your presence, we are excited to see the positive impact you’ll bring to Cuyahoga County. Our city wishes you continued success in this new chapter. Your legacy here will always be cherished,” Mayor John Carney said.
The City of Milford named Christopher Coleman the next city manager. Coleman brings over three decades of dedicated service in municipal government, most recently serving as town administrator in Westwood, Massachusetts.
“Chris will be a welcomed leader to the City of Milford staff and the community,” Mark Whitfield, current City Manager, said. “His deep experience in local government and his strong commitment to community-centered leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow and improve city services.”
Coleman began his public service career as a summer intern in Marblehead, MA, and quickly rose through the ranks, holding positions including Treasurer/Collector, Assistant Town Administrator, Director of Human Resources, and Assistant Town Manager. In 2019, he became the Town Administrator for Westwood, Massachusetts—a community of 16,000 residents with a $116 million municipal budget.
During his tenure in Westwood, Coleman led and assisted with major initiatives such as the development of a new elementary school, successful navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic, significant collective bargaining achievements, and the advancement of critical infrastructure projects including a proposed new fire headquarters. He also played a key role in securing and managing over $4.9 million in federal ARPA funding to support strategic community improvements.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected as the next City Manager for Milford, and to follow in the footsteps of such a respected leader and individual as Mark Whitfield,” Coleman said.
Coleman is a ICMA Credentialed City Manager and is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), the Massachusetts Municipal Managers Association, and the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
Beebe Healthcare announced the addition of Megan Bowlin, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, Anastasiia Israel, MSN, RN, ACNPC-AG, CCRN, and Stephen Israel, MSN, AGACNP-BC
Bowlin is a palliative oncology nurse practitioner who works at the hospital and Beebe Oncology Services. She is passionate about caring for patients who have been diagnosed with advanced and life-threatening diseases, with a focus on symptom and side effect management, education, and ‘goals of care’ conversations.
“Beebe Healthcare promotes excellence, compassion, and community, and I am excited to make a difference in the lives of patients who are living through difficult circumstances,” Bowlin said. “Having a solid foundation in palliative care oncology as well as family medicine will assist me as I care for patients physically, mentally, and spiritually.”
A. Israel is a board-certified acute care nurse practitioner specializing in the management of critically ill adults in the Intensive Care Unit. With advanced clinical training and a compassionate approach to care, she cares for patients with complex, high-acuity conditions, working collaboratively within a specialized team to deliver evidence-based treatment and holistic patient support.
“I take great pride in serving at Beebe, where the culture of compassion, excellence, and community mirrors my personal and professional values,” Israel said. “During my interview, every interaction showed that all employees here uphold these values. I am excited to be a part of a team that truly cares for their patients and each other.”
S. Israel is an experienced nurse practitioner specializing in neurology, emergency medicine, and acute care. He provides advanced clinical care to patients ages 13 and older who are hospitalized with a wide range of neurological conditions, including migraines, seizure disorders, stroke, and other complex or acute neurological issues at Beebe Neurology Lewes.
“With a strong commitment to clinical excellence, I combine evidence-based practice with compassionate, patient-centered care to improve outcomes and enhance the overall patient experience,” Israel said. “Beebe is family-oriented, so it was the right choice for me when my family moved to the area.”
Mayor John Carney announced Matthew Ford will join the City of Wilmington as the director of communications. An experienced communication and marketing professional with deep roots in Wilmington, Ford brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role. He will be responsible for sharing important updates and information with Wilmington’s residents, visitors, and business owners.
“Matt brings a tremendous amount of knowledge, and we are excited to welcome him to our team,” Mayor John Carney said. “Wilmington has a lot of momentum right now – and even more on the horizon. We’ve made a commitment to keeping our residents informed, and Matt will be instrumental in helping us take that commitment to the next level.”
Ford joins the City of Wilmington after serving as corporate communications manager at Navient. He also worked for DuPont as a communications consultant, and AAA, where he helped to sharpen the organization’s messaging and strengthen its marketing strategies. His work has earned him industry accolades, including a regional Emmy for Evening Newscast and Morning Newscast, an Associated Press Award for Outstanding Newscast, and eight Delaware Press Association awards.
“As someone who has spent my entire life in the City of Wilmington, I’m excited to step into this role and help share the story of our city’s progress, people, and promise,” Ford said. “Mayor Carney’s decades of leadership and commitment to public service have helped shape Delaware for the better, and I’m proud to support his administration’s efforts to build a more vibrant, inclusive, and connected Wilmington.”
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation named Abhijit (“Abhi”) Bhatwadekar as vice president and chief information officer (CIO).
In his new role, Bhatwadekar will lead Chesapeake Utilities’ technology strategy and operations, with responsibility for IT infrastructure, enterprise applications, cybersecurity, data management and vendor partnerships. As CIO, he will play a critical role in aligning technology initiatives with business objectives, supporting the Company’s growth strategy and driving continued digital transformation across the organization.
“Abhi brings deep experience in leading enterprise wide technology initiatives and delivering transformative business solutions,” Jeff Householder, chair of the board, president and CEO of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, said. “His strategic mindset, leadership capabilities and record of operational excellence will be instrumental as we continue to advance our business transformation goals through innovation and enhanced technology capabilities.”
Bhatwadekar joins Chesapeake Utilities from PPL Corporation, where he served as vice president of data analytics and customer experience, leading critical initiatives focused on improving customer service and operational performance through data-driven strategies.
His previous leadership roles include vice president of data and analytics for the benefits services division at Gallagher and senior technology positions at Nielsen, where he served as vice president for global data platforms and North America technology. Throughout his career, Bhatwadekar has led global teams, delivered large-scale technology programs, launched several global analytics platforms and leveraged AI and automation to drive operational savings.
At Chesapeake Utilities, Bhatwadekar will serve on the Company’s senior leadership team and be a key advisor to the Board on major technology initiatives and cybersecurity risk management. He will guide the execution of the Company’s IT roadmap, oversee the IT project portfolio and budget and implement best practices and policies to support secure, efficient and innovative service delivery.
Palmer Gosnell Hospitality, owners of Hampton Inn Rehoboth Beach, announced the appointment of Stephanie Brough as the company’s new director of sales. With over 15 years of distinguished experience in hotel sales, group account management, and business development, Brough brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven record of success to the Palmer Gosnell team.
Brough’s career spans multiple properties and markets, where she has consistently negotiated high-value contracts, exceeded ambitious sales quotas, and built lasting relationships with clients. Most recently, she served as Hotel Area Sales Manager for Bluewater Development, skillfully leading sales strategies across four hotels in Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. Previously, Brough held key sales roles at Hilton Garden Inn Ocean City and Princess Bayside Hotel, where she managed group bookings, coordinated high-profile events, and worked collaboratively with operations and marketing teams to achieve outstanding results.
“We are delighted to welcome Stephanie to our leadership team,” Fred Thompson, general manager at Palmer Gosnell Hospitality, said. “Her extensive experience, passion for hospitality, and commitment to client satisfaction align perfectly with our company’s values and vision for growth.
Fulton Bank named Andy Fiol the chief banking officer and JoBeth Mauriello as head of consumer & business banking, replacing Fiol in his current position.
“One of our strategic priorities is to accelerate our organic growth, and I can think of no one better to lead that charge as our Chief Banking Officer than Andy,” Chairman and CEO Curt Myers said. “Similarly, I am confident that JoBeth will further develop the Consumer & Business Banking organization and deliver the next level of service and operational excellence our customers want and expect.”
Fiol has served as head of consumer & business banking since January 2023. He joined the bank as director of consumer & small business channel, segment and product in June 2018. Prior to joining the bank, he served as an executive in various roles at both Capital One and Bank of America. He has more than 20 years of experience in financial services.
Mauriello has served as head of sales and transformation initiatives since September 2024. Prior to that she served as Co-Market President in Philadelphia and South Jersey. She joined the bank as a Regional Sales and Marketing Manager in 2007. Prior to joining the bank, she served in various Consumer bank leadership roles at Bank of America. She has more than 40 years of experience in financial services.
Beebe Healthcare welcomed Kimberly Vignola, Sarah Miller, and Melissa Galloway to its team of clinicians.
Vignola is an adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner who specializes in care for cardiology patients who have been admitted to Beebe’s Intensive Care Unit and Stepdown/Telemetry Unit. She plays a critical role as patients prepare to undergo procedures in Beebe’s Cardiac Cath Lab, and as they recover from those procedures in preparation for discharge from the hospital.
Additionally, Vignola provides cardiology consultations in the Emergency Department and throughout the hospital, tending to patients who have experienced or at risk for having heart attacks, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, heart block, coronary artery disease, and elevated blood pressure.
“Beebe is perfect for me—it’s home,” Vignola said. “It was always a dream of mine to come home and use my vast amount of cardiology experience and knowledge to help the good people in our community.”
Miller is a board-certified family nurse practitioner in Beebe’s General Surgery Department. She has a strong background in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care, and is known as a dedicated and highly skilled clinician who brings a patient-centered approach to surgical care. Miller conducts thorough assessments, assists in surgical procedures, performs bedside procedures, and manages post-surgical recovery to ensure optimal outcomes for patients.
Miller has devoted her career as a clinical provider to Beebe Healthcare. She originally joined the organization in 2017, working as part of the post-anesthesia care team and was eventually promoted to the role of team lead. She later transitioned to Beebe’s float pool staff, which allowed her to diversify her clinical experience, support nursing operations on units across the hospital, and prepare for the role she holds today.
Galloway is a nurse practitioner who specializes in family medicine at Beebe Medical Group. She sees patients in the urgent care setting, diagnosing and treating upper respiratory illnesses, ear infections, urinary tract infections, minor injuries, and other acute conditions that require medical attention but are not considered to be life-threatening emergencies. Many of the patients Galloway sees have been diagnosed with chronic medical issues such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. She cares for patients of all ages.
Nicholas Moriello, the former President of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware, has joined Quintuple Aim as an advisor.
Moriello brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career in the health insurance industry. Under his leadership, Highmark Delaware achieved significant milestones, including the implementation of a hybrid ACA marketplace model and the establishment of a reinsurance pool that stabilized the individual market and reduced premiums for Delawareans.
Beyond his professional achievements, Moriello is known for his dedication to community engagement. He has served on several boards, including the Wilmington Alliance, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and the Delaware Health Care Commission.
Quintuple Aim will leverage Moriello’s unique insights into commercial insurance and digital health innovation to further our mission of transforming healthcare delivery and financing.
Girls Inc. of Delaware named Wenona Sutton its new executive director. Sutton brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, public relations, and community development.
Sutton joins Girls Inc. with a strong track record of building transformative programs and partnerships that center equity, youth voice, and long-term impact. She most recently served as director of marketing and communications for The WRK Group, where she led inclusive campaigns, increased engagement, and helped bring statewide attention to underserved communities. She is also the founder of the Chocolate Ball Delaware, a formal event created to uplift Black and Brown families while cultivating confidence, connection, and joy among youth.
“Girls Inc. represents everything I believe in,” Sutton said. “I want girls across Delaware to see themselves as leaders, innovators, and change agents. My job is to help open every door possible so they can step fully into their power and purpose.”
As executive director, Sutton is focused on building stability, visibility, and access. Her leadership will prioritize expanding the Project Accelerate initiative, strengthening STEAM and literacy-based programming, and rebuilding community trust through transparent partnerships and statewide outreach.
The Delaware Center for Justice (DCJ) announced the appointment of Alonna Berry as its new executive director. A Delaware native and accomplished leader in policy, education, and nonprofit management, Berry brings over 15 years of experience advancing equity and systems change.
Berry previously served as senior director at Social Contract, where she led strategic initiatives for mission-driven organizations. She also held leadership roles in state government under Governor John Carney, including director of community and family services and senior policy advisor for Health, Equity, and Education. Berry is the founder and board chair of The Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence, Delaware’s newest service-learning charter school focused on student leadership and educational equity.
“DCJ has been a cornerstone of justice advocacy in Delaware for more than a century,” Berry said. “I’m honored to lead this next chapter, working alongside our partners, staff, and community members to advance meaningful, people-centered reform.”
The Committee of 100 recently named Deirdre Smith, the director of planning at Artesian Water, as the president of the executive board. She will be accompanied by newly appointed immediate past president Greg Ellis of Harvey Hanna & Associates, Inc., and first vice president Paula Swain of Incyte. In addition, Brent Schrader of the University of Delaware has been named third vice president, Alex Meitzler, a traffic planner and designer, will serve as secretary, and Kathleen Corcoran of Wheeler, Wolfenden & Dwares, P.A., will serve as treasurer.
