The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce's 501c3 workforce development affiliate, The Partnership Inc., recently appointed eight new members to its board of directors.

The Partnership fosters private-sector involvement in workforce development, training and education to ensure the First State has a sustainable pipeline of talent through four flagship programs: Delaware Principal for a Day, Superstars in Education & Training, Intern Delaware and the Delaware Young Professionals Network.

New board members are: Jennifer Eichholtz, CSC; Nathan Elton, University of Delaware Career Center; Dr. Patricia Holmes Smith, Holmes Smith Consulting Services Inc.; Kathleen S. Matt, PhD, University of Delaware; Keisha Morris, Bayheath: Betsy Renzo, Delaware Law Related Education Center; Joanna Staib, Delaware Workforce Development Board; and Connor Brown, L&W Insurance.

The board also saw a change in leadership, with outgoing Chair Rick Deadwyler of Corteva Agriscience passing the gavel to Dr. Lora A. Johnson of Delaware Technical Community College. Deadwyler had served as board chair since January 2020.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the amazing opportunity of serving as the chair of the Partnership's board of directors. This group managed to reset the focus of the organization [during the pandemic] and then position the Partnership for growth and ultimate success," said Deadwyler. “I am thrilled that Dr. Johnson will assume chairmanship of the Partnership. She is an incredibly accomplished and well-respected leader in our state. Her professional skillset and enthusiasm for the Partnership is perfectly positioned to launch the organization to new levels of impact of our continued work to develop Delaware’s next-generation leaders and workforce.”

"Rick's years of leadership with the Partnership played a pivotal role in shaping the new focused direction of the organization. His dedication has laid a strong foundation for our continued success moving forward," said Michael J. Quaranta, Delaware State Chamber president. "Dr. Johnson has been a longtime supporter of the Partnership and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. I have full confidence that under her leadership, we will continue the engagement between the business community and the many workforce development, training and education efforts in Delaware.”

For more information, go to DSCC.com.