The Committee of 100 today announced that Jennifer L. Kmiec will become the new executive director, effective December 1. She will replace Paul Morrill, who is retiring after leading the Wilmington-based leadership organization for nearly a decade.

The transition began two and a half years ago when Kmiec joined the organization, assuming leadership responsibilities such as event planning, communications and administration.

"We are pleased to have had such a seamless succession," said The Committee of 100 President Ted Williams. "We're fortunate to have an Executive Director with Jennifer's abilities and extensive contacts in government, business, and education. Her broad experience in technology-based economic development puts us in a strong position as we work to build Delaware's 21st Century economy."

Kmiec's background includes experience in business development and marketing for biotech companies. She was a founding director of the Delaware BioScience Association and a former board member of the Technology Forum of Delaware. She also served as the first executive director of the Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance (DESCA)

Morrill recalled that he first encountered Kmiec when she was just getting DESCA off the ground.

"I was impressed by her professionalism and presence of mind dealing with all the start-up issues. She'll be a strong leader and that's good for both The Committee of 100 and for the State of Delaware," he said.

Morrill has served as executive director since 2010. He will continue to advise the organization on legislative and regulatory issues through June of 2019.