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.
Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP, a Delaware-based law firm, announced Partner Mary F. Dugan has been elected president of the Delaware State Bar Association (DSBA).
Dugan previously served as the DSBA’s president-elect, vice president At-Large, vice president for New Castle County, and secretary, and has been a member of the Executive Committee for several years.
Dugan represents clients in complex commercial litigation matters in the state and federal courts in Delaware. She is an active member of the Richard Rodney Inn of Court and the DSBA’s Litigation Section, having served as its Chair and on its Council. At Young Conaway, she is active in various DEI committees and projects, including serving as chair of the Firm’s Government Relations Committee and former co-chair of the Women’s Affinity Group.
Dugan was appointed by Governor Carney in 2018 to serve as chair of the Delaware Child Protection Accountability Commission (CPAC). For many years, Dugan has served on the Boards of several community-based non-profits, and she remains on the Board of Los Jardines as its Treasurer. Los Jardines provides housing and educational programming to low-income seniors.
The Brandywine School District Board of Education named Lisa Lawson the superintendent. Lawson succeeds Lincoln Hohler, who is retiring after 30 years of service to the Brandywine School District as a teacher, administrator, and superintendent.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Lawson as our new superintendent,” John Skrobot, III., president of the Brandywine School District Board of Education, said. “Her leadership qualities, combined with her focus on improving student achievement, equity, and community engagement, align with our district’s goals and values.”
Lawson said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Brandywine School District community and work collaboratively with our dedicated staff, students, and families. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to nurture a challenging and supportive educational environment that will prepare our students for success in a rapidly changing world.”
Lawson brings a wealth of experience to this role, having served as deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent, and director of Pupil Services since joining the Brandywine School District in 2015. Prior to joining the Brandywine School District, she served as paraprofessional, teacher, Child Find coordinator, principal, manager, and senior director of Special Services for the Christina School District.
Throughout her career, Lawson has been an active member of several key educational boards and professional organizations. These include serving as President of the Delaware Association of School Administrators (DASA) and Governor’s Educational Equity Council member. Lawson’s roles in these organizations have centered on promoting best practices in educational policy and advocating for equity in education.
Lawson earned her Doctor of Education, Master of Education, and Bachelor of Science degrees at the University of Delaware.
Del-One Federal Credit Union announced the promotion of Yarmila Rivera Ortiz to director of Mortgage Lending. Ortiz joined Del-One last year as the Mortgage Operations Manager and has steadily and efficiently grown her team and Del-One’s mortgage products and platform.
Chief Banking Officer John Chartrand said, “Yarmila hit the ground running the moment she arrived at Del-One! Her energy, professionalism, production and commitment to our members and our community is unrivaled. Congratulations to Yarmila for this well-earned promotion! We are excited for a very bright future of Del-One’s Mortgage Team under Yarmila’s leadership.”
The City of Newark named Tyler DeBruin the deputy director of Parks and Recreation. DeBruin is a 19-year employee of the City of Newark’s Parks & Recreation Department. Prior to this promotion, he served as the Recreation Supervisor of Athletics and also as the Recreation Supervisor for the George Wilson Community Center.
In his most recent role, DeBruin managed all adult and youth athletic programs for the city, including sports leagues, instructional programs and lessons, summer camps, and after school programs. He was also responsible for recruitment, selection, and training of all instructors, referees, volunteer coaches, and child care center staff.
In his new role, DeBruin is responsible for providing assistance to the director for budgeting and oversight of the organization, along with supervision of departmental activities, programs and events. He will also assist with capital planning and development along with oversight of maintenance activity at Parks’ facilities and within the more than 600 acres of city maintained parkland.
DeBruin earned his Bachelor of Science degree in sport and recreation management from Temple University and is a member of the Delaware Recreation and Parks Society, where he served for many years on the executive board. Prior to joining the City of Newark, he began his career working for two municipalities in Pennsylvania.
