People on the Move: Apr. 5

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.

DuPont announced Sam Ponzo, vice president and general manager of DuPont Industrial Solutions, has been inducted as a member of The Executive Leadership Council (ELC). The ELC is a global organization, composed of current and former Black CEOs, Board Members and other senior executives, that works to open channels of opportunity for the development of Black executives to positively impact business and communities.

Sam Ponzo | PHOTO COURTESY OF DUPONT

“I am deeply honored to be inducted as a member of the ELC,” Ponzo said. “The organization has a rich history in opening channels of opportunity and having a significant impact in the development of black executives. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with the ELC to broaden my impact as I continue to work to develop the next generation of leaders.”

Over a 25-year career with DuPont, Ponzo has held a variety of business and functional leadership positions, serving as a project engineer, site electrical safety leader and first line supervisor for the Automotive Systems/Nylon Apparel business and has since held roles in the company’s Food Industry Solutions and Safety Resources, Finance, DuPont Sustainable Solutions, and the Advanced Printing business. In his current role at DuPont, Ponzo leads a business serving diverse markets including industrial, flexographic and digital printing, healthcare, aerospace and automotive. 

A native of Wilmington, Ponzo earned a B.S. degree from Morehouse College, a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and an MBA from Drexel University.  He also completed a Certificate for Human Capital Management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Bayhealth named Usman Shehzad, MD, the stroke director for Bayhealth Kent and Sussex Campuses.

Usman Shehzad | PHOTO COURTESY OF BAYHEALTH

In his role as stroke director, Dr. Shehzad will lead an experienced team that provides multidisciplinary care for various types of stroke to maximize patients’ recovery and prevent future strokes. He earned his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine. He completed a neurology residency at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, New York, followed by a vascular neurology fellowship at University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, New York.

“Dr. Shehzad has been integral to the success and growth of Bayhealth’s primary stroke program in his four years here,” Bayhealth Senior Director of Neurosciences Adam Spengler, MHA, said. “He has helped lead the development of Delaware’s first mobile stroke unit. He also has helped implement the RAPID-AI program, a global solution that uses artificial intelligence to help detect large vessel blockages in order to reduce the incidence of missed signs of stroke. As stroke director, Dr. Shehzad will work directly with clinical teams to ensure rigorous quality standards are achieved, and will continue his work in expanding stroke service capabilities and outreach within the region.”

Chef Robert Lhulier announced his leave from Snuff Mill Restaurant, Butchery & Wine Bar in the north Wilmington suburbs.   

Lhulier, Irvin and David and Joanne Govatos opened the Brandywine Hundred restaurant in 2021, and the steak-centric eatery was a hit from the start. Lhulier credits the customers. 

“Our guests appreciated the high-quality ingredients, the service and the attention to detail,” he said. “They trusted us to deliver on our promises.”

The Govatos left the restaurant in 2022 to concentrate on Swigg, their boutique wine store across the Independence Mall parking lot from Snuff Mill. Lhulier, who majored in art at the University of Delaware, wants the freedom to pursue his own project. He notes: “Creatives need to create.” Before starting Snuff Mill in Independence Mall, Lhulier was known for pop-up dinners that often had a theme. No matter how fanciful, the menus were grounded in the classics. After all, Lhulier interned with the venerable Charlie Trotter.

The opportunity to open Snuff Mill was tempting enough for him to close his catering business.

“I was a minority partner at Snuff Mill, and that was fine,” Lhulier said. “I learned so much and forged strong friendships. Now it’s time to move to the next step.” 

Lhulier started his career at such esteemed restaurants as The Green Room in the Hotel du Pont and Piccolina Toscana before entering the Culinary Institute of America. The young graduate was the opening chef of Deep Blue Bar & Grill in downtown Wilmington. Lhulier has overseen the kitchens at Harry’s Savoy Grill in north Wilmington, the University & Whist Club and Union City Grille in Little Italy. He also owned The Chef’s Table in old New Castle in the early aughts. 

“There is a large population of sophisticated diners in this area who support independent restaurants,” he explained. “We witnessed the demand at Snuff Mill, and people want more options.”

The Beebe Medical Foundation Board of Directors announced the addition of three new members: Brad Travis, Jr., Jason Abela, and Leanne Silicato Prosser.

 “I want to thank our three new directors for their willingness to serve, and I want to also extend our gratitude to Cindy Szabo, Lyndie Hertrich, Marnie Oursler and Scott Royal who have completed their respective terms of service,” Chrisitan Hudson, chair of the Board of Directors, said.

Travis, Jr. was born and raised in Lewes and attended Cape Henlopen High School. He is a 2003 graduate of the University of Delaware majoring in Finance and Operations Management. He began his career out of college working in Beebe Healthcare’s accounting department. He now serves locally as a Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner. Before being appointed to the Board of Directors, Travis was a member of the Board of Ambassadors and served as the Chair of the Board of Ambassadors.

“I wanted to be a part of the Beebe Foundation Board because I believe that a strong health system is imperative to our thriving community,” Travis said. “The Foundation gives me an opportunity to share all of the reasons I believe in Beebe with current and potential donors while allowing me to utilize my professional skills to help guide the organization.”

Abela is a native of Michigan and graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Political Science. He worked in the Pennsylvania government and served in the Governor’s office as a legislative liaison for the Department of Environmental Protection. Jason is a realtor with Jack Lingo Realty. He has served on the Board of Ambassadors since 2018 and was elected Chair of the Board of Ambassadors. Since 2015, Abela and his husband, Norman (Sam) Steward DDS, live in Rehoboth Beach.

Prosser was born in Milford and is a 2003 graduate of Syracuse University with degrees in English Textual Studies and Inclusive Education. She is the former owner of Make My Day Event Planning and Maven Event Management and Consulting. Leanne served as the 100th Anniversary Coordinator of Beebe Healthcare’s Centennial events.  

“Beebe Healthcare has been at the heart and soul of our community for over a century,” she said. “I am a proud mother of three Beebe babies and local to Sussex County. As we all do, I see the immense impact of the care and compassion that Beebe team members and doctors provide every day to our community and understand the importance of that continuing for another century. I was able to serve as a Beebe team member for three years as Beebe’s 100th anniversary coordinator and continue to be an original member of the ever-growing 1916 club. Stepping into serving in a board role at Beebe is my honor and I look forward to supporting the thoughtful growth of our services and reach in the coming years.”

Currently, she is vice president and chief operating officer at Silicato Commercial Realty and Development. She serves as a Board Member for the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware Board of Trustees; Board member for the Oak Orchard/Millsboro Boys and Girls Club; and is a Founding member of the Great Futures Fund and its Gala. She and her husband, Christopher, live in Millsboro with their three children Lynden, Solomon and Camilla.

Jason Abela, Leanne Silicato Prosser, and Brad Travis, Jr. | PHOTO COURTESY OF BAYHEALTH