New state cabinet positions announced

Gov. John Carney announced changes to his cabinet Nov. 5, including a new head of the state’s budget-writing office.

Department of Labor Secretary Cerron Cade has been nominated to lead the Delaware Office of Management and Budget, which manages Delaware’s annual financial plan and State of Delaware facilities. Cade has served as DOL secretary since 2018, most recently leading Delaware’s workforce development and employment programs through the COVID-19 pandemic. He previously served as director of the Delaware Division of Small Business. Replacing Cade at DOL will be Karryl Hubbard, who currently is the deputy labor secretary. Before and throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Carney said, Hubbard has led efforts to connect Delawareans affected by the loss of a job or income with employment services and rapid skills training. Hubbard also is helping lead interagency efforts – coordinated by the Family Services Cabinet Council in partnership with the National Governors Association – to increase training and services around trauma and adverse childhood experiences. 

“This is a talented group of Delaware public servants who are committed to strengthening our state for all Delaware families,” said Carney. “I’ve been privileged to serve alongside all of them these last four years. Going forward, we will continue to confront the challenges of COVID-19 and focus on the issues that matter to every Delaware family – good jobs, world-class schools, and great communities. I’m proud to send these nominations to the Delaware Senate for consideration.”

Cade would replace Mike Jackson, who will join Delaware Technical Community College later this month. Jackson has served as the OMB director since 2017, and previously served as deputy controller general for the Delaware General Assembly. Jackson has led development of Delaware’s budget since 2017, including overseeing appropriations of federal stimulus funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

Other nominations include: 

• Saundra Ross Johnson, who will serve as director of Statewide Equity Initiativess in a newly created, appointed position. She will work across executive branch agencies and serve as a senior advisor to Carney on issues of equity, diversity and inclusion. In 2017, Johnson became the first secretary of the Delaware Department of Human Resources, which was created to manage issues important to state employees. Johnson led the development of a statewide anti-discrimination policy at DHR, and previously served as director of the Delaware State Housing Authority.

• Amy Bonner, deputy director of OMB, will serve as the next secretary of DHR. In her current role at OMB, Bonner oversees financial operations, information technology and human resources. Previously, Bonner served for five years as deputy director for the division of Human Resources Management, where she directed employment services, Equal Employment Opportunity and policy development for the division. 

• Jason Clarke, acting chief information officer, who is nominated to permanently lead the Delaware Department of Technology and Information. Delaware’s CIO manages Delaware’s information technology infrastructure and leads cybersecurity efforts. Clarke has helped manage an expansion of high-speed broadband service in rural Kent and Sussex counties, and is leading a transition to digital government services at DTI.

The Delaware Senate is expected to consider Carney’s nominations when the General Assembly returns to regular session in January.