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.
Ariel Gruswitz has joined Facility Logix as associate director. She will be responsible for leading the firm’s consulting services practice and expanding its feasibility and market analysis capabilities.
For this new role, Gruswitz brings nearly 20 years of experience in science and technology advocacy, economic development, government relations and regulatory affairs, most recently at Delaware Prosperity Partnership, a statewide economic development agency. Her expertise includes leading efforts to provide strategic direction for strengthening the state’s innovation economy and secure state funding to support the expansion of science-based companies; aligning public and private sector economic development interests; and advocating for science-based biotechnology regulation.
The Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay has named Lisa Himber as president of the 146-year-old association following the sudden passing of former president Dennis Rochford.
Himber started at the Exchange in 1988. After assuming increasing levels of responsibility and a series of promotions, she became vice president in 1996. She has received multiple U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Service Awards, was named an Honorary Customs Officer, and was appointed to the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee by then-Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. Most recently, Himber was inducted into the Delaware Maritime Hall of Fame with the 2021 class.
The Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT), a nonprofit conservation organization, has announced the appointment of new board members: Tracy Adams, Ring Lardner and Michael Dickinson, as part of a strategic effort to expand its footprint and representation across Sussex County.
Adams is an active partner in the daily operations of her family businesses: Melvin L. Joseph Construction, M.L. Joseph Sand & Gravel, Stockley Materials and Citation Rentals. As leader of the Milford Municipal Engineering Department at Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Lardner brings over 18 years of experience in project engineering and construction administration in residential and commercial development. Dickinson, the vice president of operations for SoDel Concepts, has assisted in opening three new SoDel restaurants.
Beebe Healthcare has announced Dr. Joyce Robert as the Program Director for the Family Medicine Residency Program.
Dr. Robert is a board certified family medicine physician, and she received her medical degree from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. She completed her training at Mount Sinai Downtown Residency in Urban Family Medicine. Previously, Dr. Robert served as a core faculty and advisor for the Harlem Residency in Family Medicine, as well as Performance Improvement Chair and Transitional Year Residency Program Director all with Mount Sinai Health System.
At Beebe, Dr. Robert will be working with a team to create the curriculum and process for Beebe’s Family Medicine Residency.
The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. will host its 36th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Virtual Ceremony on Friday, September 24, 2021 Each year, graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are inducted into the Hall of Fame for significant contributions made in their respective fields. This event ensures and promotes the viability of HBCUs and highlights the accomplishments of their alumni.
Among this year’s recipients is Dr. Lorene K. Robinson who will be inducted in the area of Lifetime Achievement. Dr. Lorene Robinson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the then Delaware State College (now, Delaware State University) in 1977. After graduating, and preceding employment with Delaware State University, Lorene was employed briefly with K-Mart as a manager trainee; the state’s Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs as a records analyst; Delaware’s Division of Parks and Recreation as a clerk typist, and Independent Newspapers, Inc. as a proofreader and ad compositor. In addition to being a proud DSU alumna, Lorene has a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Wilmington University (1988). In 2019, she also earned the Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Delaware State University, bringing her full circle academically, earning both a bachelor’s and a doctorate from her alma mater. Lorene considers these accomplishments to be testaments to God’s Grace, the support of family and friends, and the unique nature and nurture characteristic of the HBCU experience.
New Castle County Chief of Police Vaughn Bond has been nominated to the position of New Castle County Public Safety Director by New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. Meyer also nominated Captain Joseph Bloch as Chief of Police. Both individuals will assume their new positions October 1 in an acting capacity, pending New Castle County Council approval.
Bloch is a 27-year veteran of the Police Department and was hired in 1994 as a recruit officer. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in November 2017, where he oversaw the patrol and criminal investigation units.
Governor John Carney announced that Amy Bonner, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Human Resources (DHR), will leave her position next month for a position with the Caesar Rodney School District.
Prior to her Senate confirmation as DHR Secretary, Bonner served as Deputy Director of the Delaware Office of Management and Budget (OMB), where she oversaw financial operations, information technology and human resources. Previously, Bonner served for five years as the Deputy Director for the Division of Human Resources Management, where she directed employment services, Equal Employment Opportunity, and policy development for the division.
Dr. Jessilene Corbett, Deputy Secretary of DHR, will serve as Acting Secretary until a replacement is nominated and confirmed by the Delaware Senate.
