Springboard Delaware welcomes two new board members
Springboard Delaware recently announced the unanimous appointment of two distinguished leaders, Wes Southall and Sean O’Neill, to its board of directors. Their approval strengthens Springboard’s statewide leadership as the organization continues its mission to provide low-barrier shelter, navigation services and pathways to housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
O’Neill, a Wilmington-based public policy and housing expert, brings extensive experience in community planning, local government operations and statewide collaboration. He holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Maryland, including a master’s degree in community planning, and has worked closely with Dr. Steve Metraux at the University of Delaware for many years. O’Neill also recently accepted an adjunct teaching position at the University of Delaware Biden School of Public Policy and Administration. He has been familiar with Springboard since its inception and has organized group visits of the Georgetown Navigation Center numerous times, most recently with members of Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester's staff.
His professional accomplishments include serving as chapter president and professional development officer for the Delaware Chapter of the American Planning Association, chairing the Urban Land Institute Delaware Council, and collaborating on dozens of projects with local and state government partners. Outside his professional accomplishments, O’Neill is an active community member, a member of St. John the Beloved Parish in Wilmington, and a youth basketball coach.
Southall, a Temple University graduate, joins the Springboard leadership with a distinguished career in both large-scale operations and statewide human services administration. He is a retired staff-level operations manager for UPS, where he oversaw complex logistics, personnel management and high-volume operational systems over many years.
Following his retirement from UPS, Southall served as a chief administrator within the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services and the Division of Social Services, contributing to statewide improvements in service access, program coordination and community outcomes. He currently serves as YouthBuild and Lead Abatement director of grants, works as a consultant for Delaware Affordable Housing Group, and remains engaged in initiatives focused on workforce development and community strengthening. Southall has been married for 35 years and is the father of two adult children.
“Wes and Sean each bring tremendous expertise in areas essential to Springboard’s work, from planning and housing to human services and community partnerships,” said Tom Ogden, Springboard board president. “Their leadership will be invaluable as we continue building sustainable solutions to homelessness across Delaware.”
Springboard Delaware operates the state’s first Pallet Shelter Village, located in Georgetown, and continues to expand programs that provide safe shelter, support and pathways to housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
