Starkey begins advisory role for DSU president

DOVER — Dr. Tony Allen, Delaware State University president, has a new senior advisor to lean on as inevitable shifts start to happen in the office of Delaware’s governor.

Governor John Carney’s last day as governor is coming up in just a few short months. As he prepares for his own transition, his leadership team is shifting, as well, including his now former Chief of Staff Jonathan Starkey who served in that role since 2022.

Starkey has joined DSU as a top member of Allen’s advisory team. His last day with the Carney administration was Sept. 20.

“Knowing the outstanding leadership and professionalism John Starkey provided in Gov.John Carney’s administration, we are excited that Jon has joined our team to share his enormous talent and contribute to the upward trajectory of the institution,” Allen said in a prepared statement to the Delaware Business Times. “I like that he is an old Dover High School Senator, too.”

Before his time as chief of staff, he was the deputy chief of staff for communications for five years and communications director for the governor’s office, having joined in late 2016. He was also the director of public relations for the Delaware State Housing Authority and previously covered business and politics as a reporter at The News Journal.

Among many of his achievements, Starkey was one of the lead communications officials in the governor’s office in the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping focus Carney’s priorities and messaging during the public health crisis that impacted every aspect of Delawareans’ lives.

“Jon led our team through our final two legislative sessions and helped us get big things done— from the Delaware Climate Change Solutions Act and offshore wind to raises for educators and traffic safety legislation,” Carney said in a press release. “Jon has been a critical member of our team, and he’s served as an important advisor to me.  I am thankful for his willingness to serve and advance the progress we’ve made for Delawareans over the last eight years.”

As Starkey moves to an advisory role for Allen, Carney’s Deputy Chief of Staff Jessica Borcky was promoted and will replace Starkey on the governor’s team while Jon Sheehan moves into Borcky’s previous role.  

“Jess has been an important part of our team for years behind the scenes. She is an extremely hard worker and a committed public servant with sharp instincts, strong organizational skills, and the ability to get things done,” Carney said. “Jon Sheehan is one of the most dedicated and respected individuals on our team who puts his heart and soul into everything he does. Both Jess and Jon have been here since the start of our administration, and I have full confidence they will continue our work for the people of Delaware.”