Gerard Esposito, chairman of the Greater Kent Committee (GKC), announced the formation of two working groups to address education and skills development and quality of life in Central Delaware.

"The newly formed groups will allow us to position the area for future growth," said Gerard Esposito, chairman of the Greater Kent Committee.

Rockport Analytics recommended the formation of two working groups in an economic analysis study of central Delaware.

Tony Allen, provost of Delaware State University, will lead the education and skills development group. Other members include:

• Dr. Daniel Shelton, Superintendent, Capital School District
• Dr. Clint Robertson, Asst. Dean College of Business, Wilmington University
• Cornelia Johnson, Campus Director, Delaware Technical Community College
• Dr. Robert Clark, President, Wesley College
• Jeremy McEntire, Asst.Dean Adult Education, Polytech High School
• Stephanie Preece, CDC
• Michelle Taylor, CEO, United Way
• Fatima Edwards, student, DSU
• Kevin Fitzgerald, Superintendent, Caesar Rodney School District
• Mark Dunkle, Attorney, PGS

“This Education and Skills Development Group represents an important concentration of the area’s intellectual capital from many different institutions working together toward a common goal,” said Allen. “We will be
applying our shared expertise to create an atmosphere of innovation, opportunity, and equity for everyone who wants to make a life and a career in Kent County.”

Scott Becker, owner of Coastal Car Wash, will lead the quality of life group. Other members include:

• Mike Rasmussen, Co-Owner Painted Stave Distillery
• Michael Utley, Principal Project Manager Exelon Generation
• Bryan Shupe, Milford Live
• Stephanie Tatman,Co-Owner Dolce Bakery and Coffee Shop
• Jeremy Kalmbacher, P.E.Principal at Three Chord Engineering
• Jeri Sheats, Realtor/Owner of First State Homes brokered by EXP Realty
• David Hugg, City Planner, City of Dover
• Evan Park, Asst. Director of Government Affairs, University of Delaware
• Rachel Bowden, Plant Controller, Kraft Heinz Corporation
• Laura Chupp, Community Member

“I am honored to be chairman of this important working group as we work to identify areas to improve the quality of life and assist in crafting a strategy for recruitment and retention of young professionals to Central Delaware,” Becker said.