Dr. Bernice Whaley, director of the Delaware Economic Office, is stepping down to take a position at St. Andrew's School in Middletown.

Former Gov. Jack Markell appointed Whaley in June 2015. She served as a deputy director at the agency since 2009.

“Bernice has been a source of steady leadership at the Delaware Economic Development Office,” said Carney in a statement.

The official announcement of her move comes less than a week after the release of a report by a working group appointed by Carney to reform the agency.

Cerron Cade, the deputy director of DEDO, will take the top spot until a permanent director is selected.

“For over eight years, I’ve had the pleasure of serving the people of Delaware – first as deputy director and then as DEDO’s director. I am grateful to have been a part of this amazing team and honored to have the opportunity to lead it for the past two years,” Whaley said.

“We’ve helped enhance the economic vitality of the state by creating and retaining thousands of jobs, attracting businesses and visitors from across the globe, implementing new initiatives to support workforce development and bolster our community of small businesses and entrepreneurs. I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the people of Delaware and students from around the world in a different, but equally rewarding, role with St. Andrew’s School.”