DRBA Commission selects Joel Coppadge to lead bi-state agency

At a June 17 meeting, the Delaware River and Bay Authority commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 25-31 to appoint Joel Coppadge of Wilmington as the agency’s next executive director. 

“I want to thank the commissioners for their faith in my ability to handle the responsibilities of executive director, and I am honored that Gov. Meyer and Gov. Murphy have confidence in me to lead this vital transportation organization on the behalf of the citizens of the states of Delaware and New Jersey,” said Coppadge. “I welcome the opportunity to create and support an environment that enables staff to achieve their potential and the authority to realize its objectives and goals. I look forward to working with the commissioners and fellow colleagues as we write the next chapter in the DRBA success story.”

Prior to joining the authority, Coppadge most recently served as CEO and president of LuckyQ Solutions LLC, a real estate investment and management firm specializing in economic development. Previously, he held many key roles in managed healthcare companies, working up to become vice president at Aetna and Coventry Health Care Inc. During his tenure, he was primarily responsible for the $20 billion Medicaid business overseeing operations in various locations across the country.

A longtime Delawarean, Coppadge graduated from Dover High School and received his bachelor of science degree in business administration at Delaware State University.

Coppadge’s commitment to public service extends across many arenas, including coaching various youth athletic teams and serving as a board member for numerous community organizations. He continues to be heavily involved with many Delaware State University civic efforts including alumni mentoring, the Athletic Council, Victory Club, Men’s Alumni Basketball Organization and NCC Alumni Association. In 2017, the Joel and Arlene Coppadge Endowed Scholarship Fund was established to help qualifying students further their educational goals.

“Mr. Coppadge is a highly respected and experienced leader whose background makes him ideally suited for his new role as executive director,” said DRBA Vice Chair Samuel E. Lathem, who leads the Delaware Commission delegation. “I look forward to working closely with him as we continue the momentum we’ve created over the past several years.”

“With his skillset, knowledge and civic-minded background, Mr. Coppadge has the right tools to make a positive difference here at the DRBA,” said DRBA Chair Earl Ransome. “I look forward to working with him to further the DRBA’s transportation and economic development missions.”

Coppadge will officially begin his duties Monday, July 14. He is the authority’s sixth executive director since its inception in 1962, and the first African-American to hold the appointed position.