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.
Governor John Carney has appointed former State Teacher of the Year Megan Szabo and high school student Nathan Cho to serve on the State Board of Education. Szabo was Delaware’s 2015 State Teacher of the Year and Cho is a current student at Conrad Schools of Science.
Szabo will be the second teacher and Cho will be the fourth student to serve in their respective roles since the General Assembly passed House Bill 455 in 2018. The legislation allowed the Governor to appoint to the board an 11th or 12th grade student and former State Teacher of the Year who also is a current educator to serve as non-voting members.
Szabo is a science, technology, engineering, and math resource teacher in the Caesar Rodney School District. In this position, Szabo leads professional development, observe science classrooms across the district, and provide feedback to teachers to help them grow as science educators. Previously, she taught science at Postlethwait Middle School. Szabo is a member of the National Network of State Teachers of the Year, the Delaware Teachers of Science, the Caesar Rodney Education Association, the Delaware Education Association, and the Nation Education Association. Szabo is a graduate of both the University of Delaware, where she received her Bachelors of Arts and Science degree in Biology Education, and Wilmington University, where she received her Masters of Education degree in Secondary School Counseling and her Doctorate of Education degree in Leadership and Innovation.
Cho is a senior in the Red Clay Consolidated School District. He participates in many educational and community-related extracurricular including serving on student government. Cho was Student Body President from January to August 2021. Cho is the founder and leader of the Debate Club, vice president of the Green Club, team captain of the Science Olympiad, and president of the Minority Student Union.
Bayhealth welcomes Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) Reiesha Graham, MD, PhD, FACOG, to Bayhealth Women’s Ca
re, Sussex Campus. A native Delawarean, Dr. Graham will serve her community by providing specialized care for women during pregnancy and at all stages of life. She joins Miaohou Xu, MD; Melisa Edler, MD; and Roni Dermo, MD, in the OB-GYN practice.
“Dr. Graham was born and raised in this area, so it’s wonderful that she is bringing her medical expertise back to Delaware to strengthen the health of women in our community,” Vice President of Physician Services and Clinical Integration Lawrence Ward, MD, MPH, FACP, said. “With her clinical talent and personalized approach we know she will be a tremendous asset to our team and to patients in our area.”
Dr. Graham earned a Master of Science in biological and physical sciences, a PhD in pharmacology, and a Doctorate of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Prior to joining Bayhealth, Dr. Graham provided OB-GYN care at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center and Chesapeake Women’s Health in Easton, Maryland. Prior to that she was an attending physician with Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group and the Healthy Woman OB-GYN practice in Freehold, New Jersey and taught OB-GYN physician residents at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Foulk Living has announced Tirus Macharia has been selected as the delegate from the state of Delaware for the Future Leaders Program of the National Healthcare Association/National Center for Assisted Living (NHCA/NCAL).
Macharia has worked in healthcare at Foulk Living for seven years. The senior living community in Wilmington provides independent living, assisted living, memory support and skilled care. Macharia began at Foulk Living as a floor nurse, working his way up to supervisor, followed by the MDS Coordinator and scheduler. For the past 18 months, as ADON, he is responsible for infection control, training and staff education, and clinical management.
Macharia was initially drawn to working with older adults when he was in high school and caring for his grandfather who had suffered a stroke. “In the process, we developed a strong bond,” he said. Macharia realized, he added, “I had the passion for taking care of people, especially those in the geriatric community.”
QPS, a research organization, announced Heather Messenger, senior vice president, Sarah Cross, executive director, and Kimberley Buytaert-Hoefen, executive director, will strengthen global collaboration.
Messenger, who joined QPS with over 26 years of experience in the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical and CRO industries, will lead the expansion of QPS’ services and clinical execution capabilities, with a focus on on clients in the biotechnology sector. She has worked in more than seven startups in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries, which has given her an in-depth knowledge of the sector and the offers necessary for a CRO partner to accelerate clinical development activities.
Crossbrings over 14 years of experience in medical affairs, in the fields of immunology, oncology and women’s health, focused on clinical research, asset development, product launch, diagnostics and technology transfer in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and CRO sectors. His strong medical affairs expertise across the drug development cycle will support the growth and development of QPS’ global medical affairs team, resulting in best-in-class strategic partnerships, but also to support clinical trials, medical communication, medical education and the production of evidence for clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
Buytaert-Hoefen is a seasoned professional with 25 years of preclinical and clinical regulatory experience, supporting drug development in the commercial pharmaceutical and biotechnology, gene and cell therapy, and medical device sectors. As a former FDA investigator, she performed reasoned surveillance, pre-approval establishment, and post-market adverse drug experience reporting inspections. Buytaert-Hoefen will expand QPS’ capabilities by providing regulatory expertise to global drug development programs.
Rachel Kay has been named general manager and will be based in Modern Water’s US headquarters in New Castle, Delaware.
The first company to make automatic, truly continuous on-line water quality testing a reality, Modern Water is the environmental division of UK based Deepverge and has been a global leader in water quality and safety monitoring solutions for more than 30 years.
Kay brings to her new position over 20 years of industry experience in construction, manufacturing and finance. Most recently she served two years as Modern Water’s Financial Controller, where she was responsible for site management, liaison between Modern Water and Deepverge, as well as the financial growth and strengthening of the company. As General Manager, Kay will be responsible for all US operations.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Delaware and Pennsylvania announced Will Helt has joined the organization as oceans and coasts director. Helt joins the Delaware TNC team following work for the Rhode Island TNC chapter working on coastal resiliency and marine science projects.
“The Nature Conservancy in Delaware and across the globe is focused on climate change and coastal resilience,” TNC Delaware & Pennsylvania Executive Director Lori Brennan said. “As we look to the future, we knew it was important to invest in new staff with an expertise in coastal programming. I am so pleased to welcome Will to our team as our chapter’s first Oceans and Coasts Director.”
The Director of Oceans and Coasts will lead a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and practitioners focused on implementing science-based strategies to improve the climate resilience of coastal habitats and natural communities along the Delaware Bayshore, while incorporating natural infrastructure solutions that help human communities adapt to the impacts of sea-level rise. Through this work, Helt will regularly work with academic, municipal, state, non-profit and federal partners.
WSFS Financial Corporation, the parent company of WSFS Bank, welcomed Kevin McKeown as senior vice president, director of Healthcare Banking, will lead the new healthcare vertical within WSFS’ Commercial Banking Division.
This group will be focused on providing financial services solutions to senior living and long-term care facilities as well as work to build out the expertise and product offerings to other healthcare-related businesses.
McKeown most recently served as director of Healthcare Banking at Fulton Bank, where he managed a team of relationship managers dedicated to banking the not-for-profit and for-profit healthcare industries, including hospitals, continuing care retirement communities, skilled nursing facilities and large physician practices throughout the region. Prior to that, he was senior vice president and team leader at Citizens Bank, among other senior positions held in the industry with a focus on healthcare.
“It is an exciting time to join WSFS as the Company has continued to grow substantially over the past few years while still focusing on great service,” McKeown said in a statement. “I look forward to building out this team and the services we provide healthcare businesses as we work together to be the ‘go-to’ bank for companies needing products and services delivered with local decision-making, market knowledge, and high service levels.”
Greenberg Traurig, LLP announced Bryan Reed has joined the firm’s litigation practice as an associate.
Reed litigates all aspects of corporate and complex commercial cases in the Delaware Court of Chancery, the Delaware Superior Court, and in various federal district courts including fiduciary duty suits, business divorces, and shareholder demands. He also has litigated pro bono cases in Family Court.
Reed earned his J.D., from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. While in law school, he served as a law clerk for the United States Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., and for the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. After law school, Reed served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Joseph M. Getty of the Court of Appeals of Maryland. Reed received his B.A. from the University of Delaware.
The Choir School of Delaware announced Brittney L. Stanton was promoted to deputy director and assistant conductor. Since her appointment as director of education and assistant conductor in 2019, Stanton has overseen three successful seasons of educational programming and performances while building strong relationships with students, families, volunteers, and community leaders. Her leadership was instrumental in the Choir School’s successful emergence from the pandemic and the expansion of its program offerings. In her new role as Deputy Director, Stanton will work with the Executive Director to oversee the Choir School team in daily project management and long-term planning.
Stanton is a professionally trained music teacher and soprano who works with students of varying ages and abilities to help them develop strong music literacy skills and grow a love for the arts that is lifelong. Having taught music in both suburban and urban settings, she is a dedicated, veteran pedagogue. Stanton studied Music Education at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD with a focus in choral arts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Additionally, Stanton holds a Master of Science degree in Teaching, also from McDaniel College.
Malcolm S. Richardson was appointed as director of education and programming. He will work closely with students, families, and volunteers while overseeing the after-school program. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Vocal Performance from the nation’s first historically Black degree granting institution, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. He also earned a Master of Arts degree in Music Education from Liberty University, where he is pursuing a Doctorate of Music Education. While attending Liberty, he also serves as Director of Education & Programming for the Choir School of Delaware, where he sings among and mentors young vocalists through a shared gift of song, and love for music education. Richardson serves as a resource and advocate for young musicians and strives to strengthen their love for music and arts education.
Sophia DiLeo was appointed as executive assistant. She will support the Choir School staff in logistics planning, workflow organization, and other administrative tasks. She will also serve as a liason to the Board of Directors.
DiLeo is a native of Princeton, New Jersey and holds a B.M. in Music Education and M.M. in Voice Performance from the University of Delaware. Her professional endeavors and aspirations specialize in arts advocacy, trauma-informed voice instruction, empowering young women in the performing arts, and creating space for all genres and styles in the voice studio. She has served as a private voice instructor, a production assistant for the University of Delaware Opera Theatre, and an administrative assistant for the National Opera Association. She has performed in a wide range of styles and venues throughout her career. Recent roles include Diana in Next to Normal and Paige in the world premiere of From Our Roots. She will debut her first professional role at Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theatre for the 2022-2023 Mainstage Season. DiLeo is absolutely overjoyed to further the Choir School’s mission this year and to continue strengthening the power of advocacy and spirit of kindness within the community.
InterDigital, Inc., a mobile and video technology research and development company, welcomed Derek Aberle to the company’s Board of Directors. Aberle is a seasoned executive with deep understanding of the wireless, mobile and related industries as well as extensive experience in global patent licensing, including structuring and negotiating some of the largest deals in the industry.
Aberle currently is Co-founder and Executive Vice Chairman of XCOM Labs, a company focused on developing and commercializing advanced wireless and Metaverse technologies. Prior to that, from 2000 through 2018, Aberle served in various senior executive roles at Qualcomm, including as President of Qualcomm from 2014 through 2018. Beginning in 2008, Aberle served as a member of Qualcomm’s executive committee, as executive vice president and president of Qualcomm Technology Licensing from 2008 through 2011 and as executive vice president and group president from 2011 through 2014 where, among other things, he led Qualcomm’s technology and IP licensing business, helping to establishing its global licensing program and negotiating deals with its largest licensees.
“I am excited to be joining InterDigital’s Board at a time when the company’s technology is more important than ever in our increasingly connected world,” Derek Aberle said. “I look forward to utilizing my many years of experience directing technology investments and leading global patent licensing strategies and deals to help InterDigital deliver on its next phase of growth.”
