June 11, 2021 –

Bayhealth — recognized as one of the nation’s Most Wired health systems, with hospitals in Dover and Milford — is always looking for IT superstars: caring, compassionate, patient and motivated talent who get excited about going to work every day.

Healthcare may not be the first industry that comes to mind for young talent looking to launch a career in information technology (IT) — or for seasoned talent looking to retrain or upskill for a second career, for that matter. But the trajectory of change that has steadily increased the pace of technology advances over the last 20 years — fuel-injected by virtual demands created in the last year by the COVID-19 pandemic — make healthcare IT one of today’s fastest-growing, most exciting career options for those hoping to advance their earning potential while making a difference in their community. 

The IT team at Bayhealth believes there is no better place to put the winning combination of hard skills and soft talents that are required in the healthcare industry to work than in Central or Southern Delaware.

“Bayhealth uses technology to do what needs to be done to care for patients,” says Vice President and Chief Information Officer Richard Mohnk. “We have programs in place to train and educate our team as they advance in their careers, but we need to continuously feed those programs with talented people who have a desire to be great.”

Wesley Coombs, Bayhealth’s Service Desk supervisor, leads the team that takes calls around the clock from both employees and patients looking for help with software and application issues. Because they support more than 200 IT applications, Coombs says the Service Desk is a great place to get a foot in the door and gain valuable experience for a career in healthcare IT.

Bayhealth is certainly not alone in the search for great technical talent, but the healthcare industry’s IT needs are so specialized that it’s almost unheard of for someone to transition from another industry directly into a mid-to-advanced seniority analyst or project manager position with a medical center. Those positions typically require a four-year degree or a minimum of three years of healthcare-related work experience. 

By partnering with their Central Delaware academic neighbors – Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community College and Wilmington University – Bayhealth has created a pipeline that already has brought in 22 entry-level staff who work up to 24 hours a week on the IT department’s Service Desk while they finish their degrees.

As team members sharpen their IT skills and gain familiarity with the clinical areas that need support throughout the medical center, they are first in line for opportunities to advance to higher-paying analyst and project manager positions within Bayhealth. But that leaves openings for Coombs to fill back on the Service Desk.

To meet the challenge, the retired veteran called on his own experience as a drill sergeant. Just as the military teaches someone with the right personal attributes to be a soldier, Coombs realized that he is in a position to help the right candidates gain the work-related experienced needed to advance to a higher-level position in healthcare IT.

For example, most IT professionals have great technical skills, understand hardware and know how to manipulate applications. But taking a call from a clinician who needs trouble-shooting help under pressure to access a patient’s imaging report, or from an elderly member of the community trying to figure out how to use a smartphone app to schedule a virtual appointment, takes patience, compassion and a true desire to help, according to Coombs.

“Under Wesley’s supervision, Bayhealth’s Service Desk offers a remarkable entry-level process with great exposure to healthcare to create a career path from within,” says Mohnk. 

Fueling Delaware’s IT Pipeline 

IT needs remain a key concern for employers throughout Delaware, with talent needed at all levels – from entry to highly specialized – who are qualified in software, networks, cyber security, data management and tech support. Two-thirds of Delaware’s IT jobs are found outside the traditional “tech” sector in areas of finance, manufacturing, education, government and, of course, healthcare. 

To help build a more diverse tech talent pipeline for 2021 and beyond, Delaware Prosperity Partnership is leading a public-private initiative of more than 50 stakeholders representing Delaware businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions and workforce development organizations. Collectively, they are developing a coordinated and demand-driven approach to meeting the state’s IT talent demands. Their work is funded by a workforce readiness grant from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation. 

Systems Shine When Superstars Use the Right Tools

At Bayhealth, Coombs’ mission aligns with the state’s aims as he focuses on bringing in the right people to work the Service Desk in preparation for their next step on the career ladder. He says he finds it fulfilling to watch his team grow, develop and gain confidence.

“Seeing my team help our employees and patients get the help they need really is one of the most rewarding feelings,” Coombs says. “It feels like we are giving back.”

Mohnk agrees.

“We enjoy teamwork and camaraderie here at Bayhealth,” Mohnk says. “We’re always looking to bring in the next IT superstar — and our goal is to see hard-working, great talent succeed.”

Stay Up To Date With Delaware

June 4, 2021 –

On nearly an hourly basis, most of us edit a text, document or social media post. We delete one word or replace another to best express our thoughts.

Similarly, CRISPR-Cas9 removes, adds or alters regions of DNA. The gene-editing tool could help cure such illnesses as sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis. It is also a gamechanger in agriculture. 

No wonder CRISPR is the subject of news articles, radio segments and TV programs. Last October, for instance, Jennifer Doudna of the University of California, Berkley, and Emmanuelle Charpentier of the Berlin-based Max Planck Unit for the Science of Pathogen made headlines for winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The researchers were honored for the discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 genetic “scissors.”  

But no matter how precise the cut, CRISPR can also negatively impact the areas near the repair site. To find and categorize these genetic scars, ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute released DECODR, an affordable software application.

“We developed DECODR to accelerate the development of CRISPR gene therapies by providing a way to detect these changes rapidly so we can determine whether they pose a risk to patients,” explains Eric Kmiec, Ph.D., director of the Gene Editing Institute in Newark, Delaware, and principal author of a study on the app published in The CRISPR Journal.

Short for deconvolution of complex DNA repair, DECODR is the brainchild of a high school student and a Ph.D. candidate who, in many ways, reflect Delaware’s talent pool in cutting-edge fields.

CRISPR 101

 CRISPR — which stands for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats — is part of an antiviral system in certain bacterial species. Thanks to the Nobel Prize winners and their associates, CRISPR is also a gene-editing tool.

 At the ChristianaCare Gene Editing Institute, located in the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, researchers are studying how CRISPR-Cas9 can delete the gene responsible for chemotherapy-resistant lung cancer tumors, decrease a solid tumor’s volume and stop its growth.

Using CRISPR safely is paramount as studies move into clinical trials. 

“Like many medical interventions, CRISPR gene therapies are likely to come with a mix of risks and benefits,” Kmiec says. “More information is needed to ensure patients can make an informed decision.”

Pinpointing the potential for problems requires painstaking DNA sequencing — no easy feat. “Targeting deep sequencing is generally used for large patches of DNA like the entire genome of a person. It can take weeks to months,” explains research fellow Kevin Bloh, lead author of the study published in The CRISPR Journal and a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Delaware. It’s also costly. 

Sanger sequencing takes less than 24 hours but may not reveal all the possible mutations, Bloh notes. It could take up to 40 minutes for a person to manually analyze one CRISPR-edited sequence

Enter Rohan Kanchana, a high school intern who cut his teeth on computer coding in sixth grade. Kanchana was not permitted to work in the Institute’s actual lab, but he could use his savvy software skills outside it.

Sorting & Translating

While at Newark Charter School, Kanchana was intrigued when Bloh and researcher Brett Sansbury told him that a single gene edit could produce volumes of DNA data. Afterward, DNA sequences appear like a stack of sentences piled atop each other. “You can’t read it,” notes Kanchana. 

DECODR’s algorithms separate the sentences one by one from the messy pile so researchers can read each sequence, Kanchana says. The program also quickly and accurately finds a wide range of DNA code insertions and deletions that might happen after a CRISPR-directed gene repair. 

The results indicate specific mutations and highlight genes that have fixed themselves. However, it is up to the clinician to interpret the results and analyze accidental mutations’ risk. 

The software is easily updated. While a variety of platforms can support the web-based application, it runs best on computers or desktops, Kanchana said. 

A free version of DECODR is available online at decodr.org/analyze. The Gene Editing Institute is pursuing a licensed commercial version that could offer more options while still providing highly accurate data.

The Right Stuff

Bloh, who is studying medical and molecular sciences, has used DECODR both at work and for his academic research. The alumnus of Salesianum High School in Wilmington earned a master’s degree at nearby Drexel University in Philadelphia.

Having the Gene Editing Institute within a patient-based healthcare system makes Delaware special, he says. “It is the only place where this type of research [on lung cancer tumors] could make [a direct] impact.”

Kanchana adds that Delaware is the ideal learning environment for students who want to pursue software development. 

“Computer programming is valuable anywhere, but especially in Delaware,” he says. “If you reach out to people [in the STEM community] and say you can work with computers and develop software, they are very open and welcoming. It’s special about Delaware.”

For proof, consider that his father, a gastroenterologist, reached out to Kmiec about the internship, saying the student’s talent with a computer might prove useful.

Kanchana has benefited from the active STEM program at his school, which has career pathways for biotechnology and computer science. “They offer very specialized and very intensive tracks,” he notes.

He hopes to study computational biology in college. DECODR has put him on the right path toward the degree. “It’s the perfect application of using computer code and algorithms to analyze biological data,” he says. “The Gene Editing Institute was a wonderful opportunity for me. “

He is not the only one. “Our projects tend to attract outstanding young scientists, and we have been fortunate to retain many of those who have trained with us as graduate students,” Kmiec says. “DECODR will only amplify this since the analysis of the type of genetic footprint CRISPR leaves behind after it edits the DNA is at the heart of therapeutic development.”

The release of DECODR could lead to the expansion of the institute’s analytical team, he says.  Meanwhile, it’s back to business as usual — breaking new ground.

“We have been fortunate to be part of the CRISPR revolution,” says Kmiec, “and believe we’ve contributed some important discoveries on the fundamentals of how CRISPR actually edits human DNA.”

Stay Up To Date With Delaware

May 14, 2021 – 

Jeff Flynn knows his way around Wilmington. The Delaware native has been in city government since 2002 and has held the position of director of economic development since late 2015. The seasoned director has worked under three mayors.

In many respects, Flynn was destined for the job. His godfather was former Wilmington Mayor Tom Maloney, who was best friends with Flynn’s father, John Flynn. When Maloney was elected mayor, the older Flynn — previously a chemical engineer with DuPont — became his chief of staff.

“I have fond memories of riding around in trash trucks and going to the Bicentennial celebration,” Jeff Flynn recalls. But before entering city government, he worked for MBNA and founded two small businesses, one of which involved real estate.

What attracted you to the field of economic development? 

Initially, what attracted me was the intersection of business, government and real estate. What has kept me in the field is the ability to make tangible, positive impacts on my community: I enjoy playing for the home team.

This occupation offers a surprising degree of diversity. One day you’re working with a small business. Another day, you’re assisting a corporate client in resolving an issue or advancing a land acquisition transaction or construction project. Every action is geared toward improving the quality of life

What is the unique selling proposition for Wilmington?

If you want an urban experience in Delaware without going to Philadelphia, Wilmington is it. You have big city amenities in a central location. Wilmington has so much to offer in a small area. 

We have an educated workforce, with roots in engineering and science thanks to the DuPont Company. The Financial Center Development Act developed our talent in financial services technology, and our reputation in corporate law and governance is highly regarded.

What sectors are strong in Wilmington, and what sectors are you looking to grow?

To attract a talented workforce, you need places to live near parks and cultural amenities. Of course, we have gorgeous parks. With the development of the Wilmington Riverfront, we are looking to build a cultural energy. We’ve been very focused on restaurants, entertainment, open spaces and recreation. These amenities attract talent, which in turn attracts employers and entrepreneurs. 

What have businesses found most appealing about Wilmington?

You have access to government at all levels, and there is a low cost of living and a low cost of doing business. 

What is the advantage of promoting an area in the United States’ second-smallest state? 

We’re all in this together. Since it takes five minutes to drive outside the city limits, it’s in everyone’s best interest not to pursue a zero-sum game.

It’s only getting better. When Kurt Foreman joined the Delaware Prosperity Partnership as president and CEO, development went to the next level. The DPP brings all of us in the profession — across the state — together. 

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I don’t recall anything that stands out. 

What did you study in college?

I studied history and had the opportunity to travel to Greece and study history and archeology. When you study the liberal arts, you learn how to read, write and think critically.

What was the last book you read?

I just finished “Foresight Investing: A Complete Guide to Finding Your Next Great Trade”

by Wilmington’s own futurist, Jim Lee. He’s a friend of mine from the Trolley Square neighborhood.

The last novel I read was “Circe” by Madeline Miller, a wonderful adaptation of Homer’s “Odyssey.” 

Whom do you admire?

At the moment, I admire Deb DeHart, the performing arts teacher at my son’s school, St. Edmond’s Academy. She is producing the spring musical for middle-schoolers. Using Zoom, she’s teaching 40 kids to sing. They have all these parts, and they’re editing it all on the computer using virtual backgrounds. It’s going to be distributed online. It’s an incredible effort.

I admire her and all others who put in the extra effort to deliver their passion rather than cancel. 

What advice would you give someone considering a career in economic development?

A real estate background is helpful. Community involvement — I am more effective at my job because of time spent chairing the Delaware Avenue Community Association. I can better relate to community leaders who approach the city.

Learning how to write, speak and communicate is important to be successful in any career, especially in this field, and there’s a great organization called the National Development Council that offers classes. I recommend Economic Development 101.

Stay Up To Date With Delaware

May 13, 2021 –

When Bill Pfaff became the director of the Delaware Small Business Development Center in Kent and Sussex counties, his boss, Clinton Tymes, offered some words of wisdom: “Give the business community what they need.”

That was in 1992, and Pfaff has never forgotten the advice. When he became the director of Sussex County Economic Development in 2017, he visited each of the county’s 25 towns to determine their individual economic dreams and create zones to offer specialized funding.

As a county resident, he knows the differences between eastern and western Sussex County. He calls the latter “a new frontier” for business expansion.

“I feel very lucky that I’ve been able to be part of Sussex County success stories,” he says. “There’s no question that it is different here than it was 30 to 35 years ago.”

What attracted you to the field of economic development? 

I worked in this community for almost 30 years, and I enjoyed my entire career with the Delaware Small Business Development Center. I’ve been blessed to be able to help Sussex County grow throughout my career and help local businesses. I’d rather see a business come to Delaware than another state.

What is the unique selling proposition for Sussex County?

The size of the county — there is a lot of opportunity for development. All 25 communities in this county have unique assets and shovel-ready sites. The second is the quality of life, both from a business and a family standpoint.  

What sectors are strong in Sussex County, and what sectors are you looking to grow?

Agriculture is one of the top two industries in the county. The farmers support the poultry industry with what they’re growing. Tourism is another booming sector, and we work very closely with all the chambers of commerce and Southern Delaware Tourism. 

There’s no question that healthcare is a big industry in this county as a result of so many people moving here. When you look at what healthcare jobs pay, you can see that they’re a real boost for the county.

What have businesses found most appealing about Sussex County?

The infrastructure. Businesses need water, sewer, electricity and high-speed internet, and they will find that in Sussex County. Eastern Shore Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Chesapeake Utilities, is installing natural gas throughout the county. We have four major highways that lead to major metropolitan areas in the Mid-Atlantic region. There are a number of locations throughout Sussex County that offer rail.

What is the advantage of promoting an area in the United States’ second-smallest state? 

Two weeks ago, my phone rings, and it was Governor John Carney asking me for a phone number. In Delaware, we’re all family, and we help each other. 

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I thought that I’d go into business and be my own boss. I didn’t know the word “entrepreneur” then, but I knew it was special. My family knew people who were running a lumberyard, a restaurant, hardware stores, the local pharmacy. That’s why I’ve always enjoyed working with people starting businesses.

What did you study in college?

Business administration at York College of Pennsylvania.

What was the last book you read?

I just read the biography of Mother Angelica. She established Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Birmingham, Alabama, and founded The Eternal Word Television Network. She had an idea and saw a need. She had a message and created something from nothing.

Whom do you admire?

My father made me who I am today. I was also very active in the Boy Scouts of America when I was growing up. I looked up to the leadership, and they really taught me so much.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in economic development?

Know your community, its needs and what is available. Most importantly, know the regulations, from stormwater management to wastewater. You must fully know what a business needs — the full package — so you can understand the potential impact.

Stay Up To Date With Delaware

May 12, 2021 – 

Patty Cannon has been the director of Intergovernmental Relations & Special Projects with the Delaware Division of Small Business since 2015. She and her colleagues partner with Delaware business and industry leaders and state, county and municipal representatives – and collaborate with site selectors, consultants, real estate brokers, sister agencies and community groups – to grow Delaware’s economy.

Cannon’s work centers around initiatives such as Brownfields development and redevelopment; statewide comprehensive economic development strategies; EB-5 targeted employment areas; the Emission Reduction Credit Program and Foreign Trade Zone administration. She finds her work in economic development truly gratifying, thanks to its ability to change lives.

“It is tremendously satisfying to know that your efforts to recruit and/or retain a business can have such a positive impact in your community,” she says. “Always remember that every piece of the puzzle matters!”

What attracts you to the field of economic development?  

​Economic development happens when passionate people who care about a community find creative and collaborative ways to meet the needs of industry leaders. I have always been attracted to working with people who may approach a problem from very different perspectives but who have a shared goal of finding mutually rewarding solutions. At its core, economic development is about listening to truly learn the needs of the community and the business leaders and then working to find a way to meet those needs that is compatible to both sides. Headlines often promote economic wins as though a company made a decision, but in reality, PEOPLE are making decisions, respectively, about what is best for their community and their business. I thoroughly enjoy being in the “people” business.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in economic development? 

A career in economic development is exciting and rewarding! When a company’s leadership chooses to create jobs in your community, it has a positive impact that enriches the entire community. Some of your friends and neighbors may find a new career, local businesses may become suppliers to the new business and, often, new capital investments will create new construction jobs. Whether your contributions are focused on data collection, writing narrative, negotiating incentives, refining site selection, creative compilation or permitting, never underestimate how important each piece of that puzzle matters to presenting the best business proposition for the business leaders who will be making the final decisions.

What do you see as Delaware’s unique selling proposition?

Delaware is often referred to as a “state of neighbors,” and that is Delaware’s strongest and most unique selling proposition! Delaware boasts all of the traditional economic development assets, including a highly skilled workforce, customized training opportunities, expedited permitting, etc. But the collegial approach to neighbors helping neighbors is the magic that is the “Best of Delaware” – in my humble opinion. From elected officials and regulators working across the aisle, to industry, labor and community leaders working together, Delaware is a “state of neighbors,” and we welcome you to visit Delaware. This unique “selling proposition” is best experienced in person! 

What is the latest book you have read and would recommend?

“Riding the Bus with My Sister” by Rachel Simon (a Delaware author). It’s a gentle reminder that everyone has value and deserves to find their place in this world.

What have been some highlights of your career to date?

One of the greatest highlights of my career to date was in leading Delaware’s response to the famous Amazon HQ2 RFP. As you may recall, Delaware did not land the Amazon headquarters, but we did, in fact, build an amazing team of community leaders who worked together to craft a compelling business case. Amazon’s debriefing taught us that although there were other locations with larger population density that pushed Delaware out of the top contenders for that project, Delaware had submitted an impressive response that got their attention.

The Amazon HQ2 team members have continued to contribute to Delaware’s economic development efforts in various ways. Just to name a few: Ben duPont, who was a founding member of Zip Code Wilmington, continues to develop creative ways to grow Delaware’s coding expertise through Zip Code Wilmington, the {OpenBracket Delaware} computer coding championship and as managing director and co-founder of Chartline Capital Partners; Patrick Callahan, a serial entrepreneur, has developed a team to launch the Delaware Data Innovation Lab; and, John Riley published his first book, “Delaware Eyewitness: Behind the Scenes in the First State,” after leading government relations for two global corporations and helping to set up Delaware Prosperity Partnership to lead Delaware’s economic development initiatives into the future.

Stay Up To Date With Delaware

May 11, 2021 –

Linda Parkowski is a mover and shaker with a seemingly endless supply of ideas. Since 2018, she’s been the executive director of Kent Economic Partnership, which trades as Choose Central Delaware. Certainly, she knows the area well. She’s lived in Kent County for 30 years, and she raised her family here.

Last year was a busy one for Parkowski. Delmarva Corrugated Packaging is building an $80 million facility in Dover, and the Duck Creek Business Park broke ground.

Previously, Parkowski was acting director of Delaware’s Division of Small Business Development & Tourism and the director of tourism for the state. Under her guidance, tourism grew from a $1.5 billion industry to a $3.3 billion powerhouse.

What attracted you to the field of economic development?

When I was director of tourism, we were housed in the Delaware Economic Development Office, so I was surrounded by economic development every day for at least 10 years. I found it fascinating. I liked the sales portion of it — business attraction. It’s exciting. There’s something new every single day.

What is the unique selling proposition for Central Delaware?

It’s our location. We’re close to all the metropolitan areas — D.C., Philadelphia and New York. Sixty percent of the U.S. population is within a three-hour radius of us. I think that’s very important. 

We have an excellent workforce in Central Delaware, especially in the technical and skilled labor pool that fills a manufacturing need. Our new economic analysis study shows that we have plenty of workforce within a 60-minute drive time of our area.

What sectors are strong in Central Delaware, and what sectors are you looking to grow?

We have a strong small-to-medium manufacturing sector. (There are more than 75 manufacturers in Central Delaware.) Logistics is strong due to our location on the Delmarva Peninsula. We are looking to expand our healthcare sector and offer more training in the area. 

What have businesses found most appealing about Central Delaware?

They like the location and the cost of living for their business and their employees. Our last few large customers have come to the region because of the railway. It’s essential in the industrial sector. 

What is the advantage of promoting an area within a small state?

Choose Central Delaware works hand-in-hand with Delaware Prosperity Partnership. If we have a lead that comes into Central Delaware and it’s not a good fit, we send it to the other two counties. There are a lot of partnerships going on throughout the state in economic development right now.

If we need to get a legislator or the governor on the phone to reach out to a potential customer, it can happen in Delaware. I’m not sure that happens all over the country.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted my own landscaping company. For my first job, I cut grass and had a mini landscaping company from age 10 to 17. I bought my first car with the proceeds. Now I live on a farm, and I’m outside all the time.

What did you study in college?

Business. I wanted to study something general, so it would be applicable no matter what I decided to do.

What is the last book that you read?

“The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah. It’s about a family that moves into the Alaskan wilds in the 1970s. You feel as though you are there.

Whom do you admire?

Mark Cuban. I don’t watch “Shark Tank,” but I admire him. He gives advice that has a lot of common sense.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in economic development? 

I would say that having a real estate background would be extremely helpful or something in planning and zoning. I took a lot of planning and zoning courses. Hopefully, you enjoy the sales portion of it.

Stay Up To Date With Delaware

May 11, 2021 –

Jamie Burk is comfortable wearing many hats. The assistant town manager for Millsboro is involved in the town’s human resources, public works, and building and maintenance codes. He manages infrastructure projects, such as the recent completion of a million-gallon water tower, as well. 

He’s also active in economic development for the town, which has about 7,000 residents and more than 40 town employees. Commercial and residential growth has made Millsboro the fastest-growing town in the state’s fastest-growing county – Sussex County. 

“Millsboro has a pro-business attitude, and it isn’t just lip service,” says Burk, who grew up in nearby Lewes.

What attracted you to the field of economic development? 

I am a former Milford City Council member, and economic development was a paramount part of that role. When I joined the Millsboro team, I brought that mindset with me and hit the ground running. I am a member of the International City Managers Association and have completed Academy for Excellence in Local Government Leadership and the land planning certification through the University of Delaware’s Joseph R. Biden School of Public Policy & Administration.

What is the unique selling proposition for Millsboro?

We process annexations as fast as we can within state regulations. We understand time is money. COVID-19 did not affect our building permits, which are being processed in a timely manner. We outsource our certificate of occupancy and final inspections, so that helps us to be nimble.

What sectors are strong in Millsboro, and what sectors are you looking to grow?

Medical has become big here. TidalHealth is getting ready to bring a 150,000-square-foot medical campus into town through an annexation process on former farmland. We’ve also had talks with Beebe Healthcare and other healthcare systems.

In agribusiness and pharmaceuticals, Merck has two locations in town [in research and development and manufacturing], and they are in the middle of a large renovation and increasing their footprint.

M&T has a large call center in town. We are continuing to grow the medical, pharmaceutical, and banking sectors, as well as retail.

What have businesses found most appealing about Millsboro?

If someone is interested in coming to town, buying a parcel or talking about a business idea, we can quickly set up a meeting and have all of the major players at the table.

What is the advantage of promoting an area in the United States’ second-smallest state? 

The size of Delaware is a considerable benefit, and networking is so important. I can pick up the phone and reach someone at the county or state level. That doesn’t happen in a larger state. Contacts and relationships matter. I’m on a first-name basis with many legislators. 

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I have always loved history and saw myself teaching.

What did you study in college?

I earned a history degree from the University of Delaware with a heavy focus in American history and philosophy. 

What was the last book you read?

“Legends and Lore of Lake Ontario” by Susan Peterson Gateley, a Christmas gift from my mother.

Whom do you admire?

My parents. My brother was born with serious medical issues, and for the last 42 years, they have stepped up to be supportive advocates for him.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in economic development?

Number one: Be an excellent listener. Don’t just hear the people around you. Absorb what they say and try to understand their point of view. Secondly, be nimble and well-rounded. My experience in the private and public sector and time on the planning board and city council have helped me analyze situations to find an outcome that is mutually beneficial to all parties involved.

Stay Up To Date With Delaware

May 10, 2021 –

In 2000, Charuni “Char” Patibanda graduated from Tower Hill School and left Delaware for Los Angeles to study at the University of Southern California. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics, she spent a few years working as an economic analyst before she headed to Atlanta to complete a juris doctorate at Emory University Law School.

Following law school, she returned to L.A. to work as an attorney focusing on regulatory and administrative law and land use. After practicing law for seven years, she decided to venture out to start her own business. In 2019, she opened The McOsker Group with her former boss and mentor, a government affairs consulting firm that represents clients in municipal policy and economic development projects in sectors such as media/entertainment, healthcare and hospitality.

Despite two decades away, though, she was never a stranger to Delaware.

“During the time years I was building my career, I came back to Delaware a lot,” she says. “This is where I grew up. This is where my family lives, and I’ve always felt at home here.”

When a homegrown opportunity arose in her area of expertise, that connection evolved into a homecoming. Earlier this year, she became the economic development director for New Castle County, the northernmost and most populous county in Delaware. She now leads the county’s work to strengthen the innovation ecosystem, including prioritizing new job creation through entrepreneurship, supporting startup companies and existing small businesses and providing a predictable land use planning process.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

My parents wanted me to go to medical school, but they also encouraged me to be active in my local community and stay on top of what policies were affecting us. That’s how I became involved in public policy and had a desire to work in public service.

What attracted you to the field of economic development?

When I was a practicing attorney, I would work on projects that brought economic development to communities. Knowing that a project, which if approved by the local authorities, would result in good-paying construction jobs and then ultimately be the creator of more permanent jobs or housing, was very fulfilling. I felt these projects added value to society.

Governments can leverage assets like airports, land and ports to work with the private and nonprofit sectors to create incredible projects for the community that can result in revenue streams or provide amenities. Economic development involves a legal background as well as creative thinking. You are essentially acting like a broker between the private sector and the government and the community.

What is the unique selling proposition for New Castle County?

One of the main advantages is that the government is very proactive in assisting businesses in navigating the land use process. Everyone works together to bring projects forward that will better our communities.

A big benefit — especially as someone coming back from the West Coast — is the cost of living. The location is unbeatable with the proximity to Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. There’s everything you could want up and down the coast – and there’s no sales tax.

What sectors are you looking to grow in New Castle County?

I would like to see more entertainment and recreation venues and businesses that add to the quality of life to make it even more attractive for people who want to live here and to companies that want to locate here.

What have businesses found most appealing about New Castle County?

The permitting and approval processes are far less arduous than in most other jurisdictions. Companies won’t have the delays they might in other states. 

What is the advantage of promoting an area within a small state?

At the end of the day, we’re three counties but one great state. All of the projects are for the betterment of the state and the people who live in it. That’s what matters the most.

What is the last book that you read?

I’m reading “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” by Richard Rothstein. It’s an eye-opening book that talks about how governments have created policies that are just systematically racist, from federal to state to local. That’s something that touches my heart very deeply, and it’s not something I want to perpetuate as a public servant. 

Whom do you admire? 

I admire leaders who have been able to deliver results for their communities. Closest to me is my dad, who has dedicated all his time to creating a Hindu Temple and helping to serve the growing Indian Hindu population in Delaware, and my former business partner, Tim McOsker.  

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in economic development?

If you are considering a career of economic development, study planning and land use. My land use background has been very beneficial to my understanding of the use of land for various projects. Every jurisdiction is different, but the concepts are the same. When I started my current job, I was excited to assist with the comprehensive plan, which was well on its way. But I already knew what it was and about the different elements. I could participate right off the bat.

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