Melody Booker-Wilkins joins KSI Board of Directors

Kent-Sussex Industries welcomed Melody Booker-Wilkins to its Board of Directors in 2014, bringing many years’ experience in business management and economic development to help KSI invigorate its relationships with area businesses. A longtime KSI supporter, Booker-Wilkins has been a frequent donor and joined the Make-A-Difference Society to help KSI’s programs remain viable in the future.

Booker-Wilkins was previously general manager of Delmarva Broadcasting Company, overseeing day-to-day operations for a conglomerate of radio stations. Most recently, she worked with the Delaware Economic Development Office as the business development leader for Sussex County. She helped facilitate the relocation and growth of a number of new businesses into Sussex County during the past five years, working to create and retain jobs in southern Delaware.

Currently, Booker-Wilkins is the economic development director for Sussex County, serving as a resource to employers interested in doing business in the county. Her connections to business leaders, civic organizations, tourism offices and chambers of commerce bring her in contact with many companies looking to grow. Working with the county administrator and Sussex County Council, Booker-Wilkins plans to focus on ways of attracting business growth in Sussex County, as well as implementing strategies to promote County assets such as the airport, the industrial park and libraries.

Booker-Wilkins believes her engagement with area businesses can help match KSI with companies needing its services. “I’m hoping that with my connections and passion, I can make a difference in educating the community about KSI’s mission and gaining more job opportunities,” Booker-Wilkins said. “I intend to use my contacts county-wide to make a difference in outreach to the business community.”

Booker-Wilkins holds a master of public administration degree and a bachelor’s in political science. In addition to her positions as economic development director and KSI board member, she also volunteers with Junior Achievement in Delaware, is an ex-officio member of the Sussex County Economic Development Action Committee, and is a board member of Southern Delaware Tourism. She’s been a Milford resident for more than 25 years, currently living there with her husband James Wilkins.