board of directors
Stephanie L. Chapman, CPA
Director, Tax & Small Business / International Services - Belfint, Lyons & Shuman
With the support of the firm’s International Services team, Stephanie specializes in providing United States tax compliance and advisory services for foreign entities and U.S. expatriates. Stephanie works with foreign business owners and their advisors to establish their tax residency, develop banking and legal relationships, and remain ahead of their various U.S. tax exposures. Expatriates benefit from Stephanie’s experience in minimizing tax liabilities through the benefits of treaties and incentives. Stephanie is also responsible for identifying training opportunities for staff as it relates to the International Services division, as well as niche business development and growth.
Stephanie has been published in local trade magazines including Delaware Banker. She has been invited to speak at the IRS Small Practitioner’s Annual Tax Forum; the Delaware Tax Institute; the PrimeGlobal World, North American and Latin American National Tax Conferences; as well as private speaking engagements in the U.K. and Germany to entrepreneurs on expanding to the U.S. market.
Read more!
Director, Tax & Small Business / International Services - Belfint, Lyons & Shuman
With the support of the firm’s International Services team, Stephanie specializes in providing United States tax compliance and advisory services for foreign entities and U.S. expatriates. Stephanie works with foreign business owners and their advisors to establish their tax residency, develop banking and legal relationships, and remain ahead of their various U.S. tax exposures. Expatriates benefit from Stephanie’s experience in minimizing tax liabilities through the benefits of treaties and incentives. Stephanie is also responsible for identifying training opportunities for staff as it relates to the International Services division, as well as niche business development and growth.
Stephanie has been published in local trade magazines including Delaware Banker. She has been invited to speak at the IRS Small Practitioner’s Annual Tax Forum; the Delaware Tax Institute; the PrimeGlobal World, North American and Latin American National Tax Conferences; as well as private speaking engagements in the U.K. and Germany to entrepreneurs on expanding to the U.S. market.
Read more!
Joseph F. Cruise
CEO - GT USA Wilmington
Joe Cruise has over 36 years of experience in various transportation and logistics fields including: sales and marketing; business development; planning; budgeting; land operations; systems development and automation, and finance and accounting.
Joe joined the Gulftainer group of companies in 2015 as the commercial head of its North American operations, GT USA LLC. He was instrumental in assisting with the successful start-up of GT USA’s office headquarters in Port Canaveral, Fla., Gulftainer’s first venture in the USA, and building the customer base for the new multi-purpose Canaveral Cargo Terminal in Port Canaveral.
His customer focus, attention to detail, and entrepreneurship enables him to create tailor made supply chain solutions for our Partners. Joe was appointed Interim CEO of GT USA Wilmington to lead the U.S. Team and coordinate with Company HQ during the privatization process of the Port of Wilmington, DE, Gulftainer’s second U.S. port. Read more!
CEO - GT USA Wilmington
Joe Cruise has over 36 years of experience in various transportation and logistics fields including: sales and marketing; business development; planning; budgeting; land operations; systems development and automation, and finance and accounting.
Joe joined the Gulftainer group of companies in 2015 as the commercial head of its North American operations, GT USA LLC. He was instrumental in assisting with the successful start-up of GT USA’s office headquarters in Port Canaveral, Fla., Gulftainer’s first venture in the USA, and building the customer base for the new multi-purpose Canaveral Cargo Terminal in Port Canaveral.
His customer focus, attention to detail, and entrepreneurship enables him to create tailor made supply chain solutions for our Partners. Joe was appointed Interim CEO of GT USA Wilmington to lead the U.S. Team and coordinate with Company HQ during the privatization process of the Port of Wilmington, DE, Gulftainer’s second U.S. port. Read more!
Janet H. Dougherty
Vice President, Commercial Banking Team Leader - Fulton Bank
Janet Dougherty joined Fulton Bank in 2008. She and her team of Commercial Relationship Managers, located in New Castle County, Delaware and Cecil County, Maryland, assist business owners and company financial officers eliminate cash flow uncertainty through multiple banking products and services. Janet is an expert with commercial mortgages, including the SBA 504 loan program, working capital lines of credit and international banking. Janet has a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus in Finance from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Science in Public Communications from Syracuse University. She is active in the community; currently the Board President of Delaware Community Development Corporation and a member of the Christiana Rotary.
Vice President, Commercial Banking Team Leader - Fulton Bank
Janet Dougherty joined Fulton Bank in 2008. She and her team of Commercial Relationship Managers, located in New Castle County, Delaware and Cecil County, Maryland, assist business owners and company financial officers eliminate cash flow uncertainty through multiple banking products and services. Janet is an expert with commercial mortgages, including the SBA 504 loan program, working capital lines of credit and international banking. Janet has a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus in Finance from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Science in Public Communications from Syracuse University. She is active in the community; currently the Board President of Delaware Community Development Corporation and a member of the Christiana Rotary.
Carmen Facciolo
NAI Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc.
Carmen Facciolo, who became an Emory Hill partner in 1983, is the Director of NAI Emory Hill and President of Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc. and Vice President of Emory Hill & Company, the construction division.
Carmen’s extensive knowledge of the sales and leasing of industrial and commercial real estate and his experience in construction and development are supported by his previous positions with the Jackson Cross Company and Facciolo Construction. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Directors of the Commercial-Industrial Realty Council, and member of the Board of Directors for the Mary Campbell Center, where he also serves on the golf committee for the prestigious annual Charmie Welch Open golf fundraiser.
Carmen is a graduate of Widener University where he earned both a BA in Political Science with a Minor in Business and MBA degree. He is a licensed real estate agent and broker of record in Delaware and New Jersey.
NAI Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc.
Carmen Facciolo, who became an Emory Hill partner in 1983, is the Director of NAI Emory Hill and President of Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc. and Vice President of Emory Hill & Company, the construction division.
Carmen’s extensive knowledge of the sales and leasing of industrial and commercial real estate and his experience in construction and development are supported by his previous positions with the Jackson Cross Company and Facciolo Construction. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Directors of the Commercial-Industrial Realty Council, and member of the Board of Directors for the Mary Campbell Center, where he also serves on the golf committee for the prestigious annual Charmie Welch Open golf fundraiser.
Carmen is a graduate of Widener University where he earned both a BA in Political Science with a Minor in Business and MBA degree. He is a licensed real estate agent and broker of record in Delaware and New Jersey.
Michael A. Griffin
CEO - Ashanti Produce International
Michael A. Griffin is Chief Executive Officer of Ashanti Produce International. Mr. Griffin serves as the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Namibia in Delaware.
Ashanti Produce International Inc. "API" is an international import-export trading company founded in Chicago in 1994 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware with offices in Camden, New Jersey and Accra, Ghana.
API manages all aspects of import and export trading including product development in agricultural technologies, logistics, and supply distribution. Mr. Griffin is the founder of the African Caribbean Produce Union (ACPU), which links farmer cooperatives with West African and Caribbean Agribusiness Groups. His “Reclaim the Grain” initiative is focused on increasing rice yields to ensure food security and sustainability in Africa.
Mr. Griffin is also a board member of World Trade Center Delaware where he draws on his extensive experience in international trade to foster economic and developmental growth in Africa. Mr. Griffin works hands on bridging the gap between the United States and Africa creating opportunities on both continents. Through the Business Council for International Understanding (BCUI), USAID, OPIC, and various African Diaspora programs, Mr. Griffin focuses on revolutionizing the $500 billion Agricultural industry. Read more!
CEO - Ashanti Produce International
Michael A. Griffin is Chief Executive Officer of Ashanti Produce International. Mr. Griffin serves as the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Namibia in Delaware.
Ashanti Produce International Inc. "API" is an international import-export trading company founded in Chicago in 1994 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware with offices in Camden, New Jersey and Accra, Ghana.
API manages all aspects of import and export trading including product development in agricultural technologies, logistics, and supply distribution. Mr. Griffin is the founder of the African Caribbean Produce Union (ACPU), which links farmer cooperatives with West African and Caribbean Agribusiness Groups. His “Reclaim the Grain” initiative is focused on increasing rice yields to ensure food security and sustainability in Africa.
Mr. Griffin is also a board member of World Trade Center Delaware where he draws on his extensive experience in international trade to foster economic and developmental growth in Africa. Mr. Griffin works hands on bridging the gap between the United States and Africa creating opportunities on both continents. Through the Business Council for International Understanding (BCUI), USAID, OPIC, and various African Diaspora programs, Mr. Griffin focuses on revolutionizing the $500 billion Agricultural industry. Read more!
Howard Henderson
Senior Associate - Triad Associates
Howard works as a Senior Associate for Triad Associates, the premier economic development consulting firm in Southern New Jersey. His area of focus is seeking funding opportunities for communities in the areas of infrastructure and business development.
Previously, Howard had a 42-year career at USDA Farmers Home Administration/Rural Development providing financial assistance to rural communities and individuals to promote economic development. During his career, he worked in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and at the headquarters office in Washington, DC. In August 2009, Howard was appointed as State Director for New Jersey. He served in this position until his retirement in January 2017. During his seven plus years as State Director, nearly $2 billion was obligated in loans, loan guarantees, and grants for rural economic development including single and multi family housing, infrastructure, community facilities, business, and energy programs.
Howard was called upon to serve as Acting Chief of Staff to the Administrator of the Rural Housing Service, one of three agencies that make up USDA Rural Development. He served in this capacity for eight months from November 2013 to July 2014, including several stints as Acting Administrator. He ran the day-to-day operations of the $35 billion a year Rural Housing Service, which administers the housing and community facilities programs. One of the major accomplishments was the public private funding initiative that was announced in 2014. This has led to several billion dollars in USDA assistance in partnership with private entities especially in the areas of health care and education. In addition, Howard served as a special advisor to the Under Secretary for Rural Development on an intermittent basis in 2015 and 2016.
Howard is a graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics. He also holds a Masters Degree from American University in public financial management.
Senior Associate - Triad Associates
Howard works as a Senior Associate for Triad Associates, the premier economic development consulting firm in Southern New Jersey. His area of focus is seeking funding opportunities for communities in the areas of infrastructure and business development.
Previously, Howard had a 42-year career at USDA Farmers Home Administration/Rural Development providing financial assistance to rural communities and individuals to promote economic development. During his career, he worked in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and at the headquarters office in Washington, DC. In August 2009, Howard was appointed as State Director for New Jersey. He served in this position until his retirement in January 2017. During his seven plus years as State Director, nearly $2 billion was obligated in loans, loan guarantees, and grants for rural economic development including single and multi family housing, infrastructure, community facilities, business, and energy programs.
Howard was called upon to serve as Acting Chief of Staff to the Administrator of the Rural Housing Service, one of three agencies that make up USDA Rural Development. He served in this capacity for eight months from November 2013 to July 2014, including several stints as Acting Administrator. He ran the day-to-day operations of the $35 billion a year Rural Housing Service, which administers the housing and community facilities programs. One of the major accomplishments was the public private funding initiative that was announced in 2014. This has led to several billion dollars in USDA assistance in partnership with private entities especially in the areas of health care and education. In addition, Howard served as a special advisor to the Under Secretary for Rural Development on an intermittent basis in 2015 and 2016.
Howard is a graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics. He also holds a Masters Degree from American University in public financial management.
Lisa B. Himber
President - Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River & Bay
Lisa B. Himber is President of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, a nonprofit trade association. The Maritime Exchange represents port businesses and related organizations operating throughout the tristate Delaware River region.
Ms. Himber is responsible for the various initiatives designed to meet the organization's mission to promote and protect maritime commerce within the Delaware River and Bay port complex. To meet this mission, she leads Maritime Exchange government affairs and public policy initiatives and works directly with legislative, regulatory, and enforcement agencies, including Customs, Coast Guard, USDA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
In addition, Ms. Himber oversees Exchange programs such as its computer information network ¾ known as Maritime On-Line® ¾ communications and public relations, membership, organizational policy and procedures, and financial management.
Prior to her appointment as President, Ms. Himber served as Vice President, Director of Operations and Computer Operations Manager for the Maritime Exchange. She was responsible for the initial design, development, implementation, operation and user support for the various port automation programs operated by the Exchange. These include, among others, the TRACS cargo manifesting system, the PORTS tide and weather system developed with the National Ocean Service, and the Delaware River ID system which served as predecessor to the national Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Read more!
President - Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River & Bay
Lisa B. Himber is President of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, a nonprofit trade association. The Maritime Exchange represents port businesses and related organizations operating throughout the tristate Delaware River region.
Ms. Himber is responsible for the various initiatives designed to meet the organization's mission to promote and protect maritime commerce within the Delaware River and Bay port complex. To meet this mission, she leads Maritime Exchange government affairs and public policy initiatives and works directly with legislative, regulatory, and enforcement agencies, including Customs, Coast Guard, USDA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
In addition, Ms. Himber oversees Exchange programs such as its computer information network ¾ known as Maritime On-Line® ¾ communications and public relations, membership, organizational policy and procedures, and financial management.
Prior to her appointment as President, Ms. Himber served as Vice President, Director of Operations and Computer Operations Manager for the Maritime Exchange. She was responsible for the initial design, development, implementation, operation and user support for the various port automation programs operated by the Exchange. These include, among others, the TRACS cargo manifesting system, the PORTS tide and weather system developed with the National Ocean Service, and the Delaware River ID system which served as predecessor to the national Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Read more!
George E. Kearns - Treasurer
Chairman & CEO – Curacao Development Group, LLC
George Kearns is Chairman and CEO of Curacao Development Group, LLC and has more than 40 years' experience in international business development, real estate development, project finance, disaster relief management and security services. Currently, Mr. Kearns provides consulting services and solutions for security, logistics and personnel worldwide. Throughout his career, Mr. Kearns has been involved in many types of commercial transactions involving economic development and redevelopment and creating public-private partnerships. As official advisor to the Honorable Amato Berardi, Italian Parliament Chamber of Deputies, Mr. Kearns advised on International Relations, Economic Development & Trade Affairs matters affecting North America, Central America and the Caribbean Basin for the period of 2006 to 2013. Mr. Kearns is a member and former Chairman of International and Economic Development for SMART States, an organization comprised of four United States Mid-Atlantic States, as well as their respective governor's offices, 39 U.S. Congressional members and 8 Senators.
Chairman & CEO – Curacao Development Group, LLC
George Kearns is Chairman and CEO of Curacao Development Group, LLC and has more than 40 years' experience in international business development, real estate development, project finance, disaster relief management and security services. Currently, Mr. Kearns provides consulting services and solutions for security, logistics and personnel worldwide. Throughout his career, Mr. Kearns has been involved in many types of commercial transactions involving economic development and redevelopment and creating public-private partnerships. As official advisor to the Honorable Amato Berardi, Italian Parliament Chamber of Deputies, Mr. Kearns advised on International Relations, Economic Development & Trade Affairs matters affecting North America, Central America and the Caribbean Basin for the period of 2006 to 2013. Mr. Kearns is a member and former Chairman of International and Economic Development for SMART States, an organization comprised of four United States Mid-Atlantic States, as well as their respective governor's offices, 39 U.S. Congressional members and 8 Senators.
David Máthé
Regional Business Manager - Division of Small Business
David Máthé is a seasoned export trade promotion professional with more than 25 years of export trade experience with the State of Delaware where he proactively assisted small and medium sized Delaware businesses develop export markets and expand global export volumes. He has organized and led trade missions around the world assisting Delaware exporters enter new markets. He currently serves as Regional Business Manager on the domestic economic development team, where he manages a portfolio of business retention projects. He also serves as Special Advisor for International Relations to the Delaware Secretary of State and manages Delaware’s Sister State relationships in Japan and India. David is Past President of SIDO, the national organization under the umbrella of the Council of State Governments of state trade directors; a former member of the Mid Atlantic District Export Council; former chair of the Eastern Trade Council, a marketing initiative among the 10 Northeastern US states and was the 2012 Class President of the Council of State Governments’ Eastern Leadership Academy.
Regional Business Manager - Division of Small Business
David Máthé is a seasoned export trade promotion professional with more than 25 years of export trade experience with the State of Delaware where he proactively assisted small and medium sized Delaware businesses develop export markets and expand global export volumes. He has organized and led trade missions around the world assisting Delaware exporters enter new markets. He currently serves as Regional Business Manager on the domestic economic development team, where he manages a portfolio of business retention projects. He also serves as Special Advisor for International Relations to the Delaware Secretary of State and manages Delaware’s Sister State relationships in Japan and India. David is Past President of SIDO, the national organization under the umbrella of the Council of State Governments of state trade directors; a former member of the Mid Atlantic District Export Council; former chair of the Eastern Trade Council, a marketing initiative among the 10 Northeastern US states and was the 2012 Class President of the Council of State Governments’ Eastern Leadership Academy.
Theophilus R. Nix, JR., ESQ
Co-Founder/CEO/President - Drone Workforce Solutions, LLC
Theo has a multitude of professional experience from the private, corporate, not-for-profit and government sectors.
Theo is currently Co-Founder, CEO and President of Drone Workforce Solutions, LLC, (DWS), a global technology and strategic business solutions company to provide solutions for businesses and organizations requiring drones and its applications. DWS has a state approved drone education and training school and a global drone employment and staffing company. DWS may be the only company that fully certifies and vets FAA commercial drone pilots for Corporate America and the government through its proprietary on-line database portal system with a full administrative backend support system. Read more!
Co-Founder/CEO/President - Drone Workforce Solutions, LLC
Theo has a multitude of professional experience from the private, corporate, not-for-profit and government sectors.
Theo is currently Co-Founder, CEO and President of Drone Workforce Solutions, LLC, (DWS), a global technology and strategic business solutions company to provide solutions for businesses and organizations requiring drones and its applications. DWS has a state approved drone education and training school and a global drone employment and staffing company. DWS may be the only company that fully certifies and vets FAA commercial drone pilots for Corporate America and the government through its proprietary on-line database portal system with a full administrative backend support system. Read more!
Anabel Panayotti
President / CEO - Port to Port International Corp.
ANABEL Panayotti is the founder of Port to Port International Corp., an award winning NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operation Common Carrier), International Freight Forwarder and Terminal Operator specializing in the export and ocean transport of vehicles, trucks, construction and forestry equipment and containerized cargoes to Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia and other worldwide markets.
Founded in 1998 as a Delaware corporation, Port to Port International is now one of the nation’s largest shippers of used vehicles and a growing shipper of new and used construction machinery to Central America.
Since 1998 she has led the expansion of the company through Strategic Planning and Logistics, Management, Sales, Accounting, Vessel Chartering and Development of New Markets. Read more!
President / CEO - Port to Port International Corp.
ANABEL Panayotti is the founder of Port to Port International Corp., an award winning NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operation Common Carrier), International Freight Forwarder and Terminal Operator specializing in the export and ocean transport of vehicles, trucks, construction and forestry equipment and containerized cargoes to Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia and other worldwide markets.
Founded in 1998 as a Delaware corporation, Port to Port International is now one of the nation’s largest shippers of used vehicles and a growing shipper of new and used construction machinery to Central America.
Since 1998 she has led the expansion of the company through Strategic Planning and Logistics, Management, Sales, Accounting, Vessel Chartering and Development of New Markets. Read more!
Nicole Poore
Delaware State Senator (D)
Sen. Nicole Poore represents the 12th Senate District, which includes most of New Castle and Bear, all of Delaware City and communities south of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, including Whitehall, Bayberry and others.
Raised in New Castle’s Jefferson Farms community, Sen. Poore graduated from St. Elizabeth’s High School in 1990 and later earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Delaware Technical Community College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Wilmington University.
She joined her brother in building a successful healthcare staffing startup that was later sold to Welsch Carson, one of the largest investment firms in the United States. Sen. Poore then became a senior client services manager for Agile 1, where she handled workforce solutions for the DuPont Co. Her professional and volunteer experience also includes serving as a member of the Delaware Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, volunteer work with the Rape Crisis Center and a stint as Exceptional Care for Children’s director of development. She is currently the president of Jobs for Delaware Graduates, a nonprofit that helps students connect with sustainable, skills-based career opportunities.
Sen. Poore’s interest in government policy began after the birth of her oldest son Nicholas, who was diagnosed cerebral palsy. Her activism in the special-needs community led to a successful 2012 bid for state Senate. Following her unchallenged bid for reelection in 2016, Sen. Poore was selected to serve as Senate Majority Whip by her peers. She then served as Senate Majority Leader from 2019 to 2021.
Sen. Poore currently chairs the Joint Capital Improvement Committee and serves as vice chair of both the Senate Health & Social Services Committee and the Senate Labor Committee. She also sits on the Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee.
She and her husband Billy live in New Castle with their three children.
Delaware State Senator (D)
Sen. Nicole Poore represents the 12th Senate District, which includes most of New Castle and Bear, all of Delaware City and communities south of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, including Whitehall, Bayberry and others.
Raised in New Castle’s Jefferson Farms community, Sen. Poore graduated from St. Elizabeth’s High School in 1990 and later earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Delaware Technical Community College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Wilmington University.
She joined her brother in building a successful healthcare staffing startup that was later sold to Welsch Carson, one of the largest investment firms in the United States. Sen. Poore then became a senior client services manager for Agile 1, where she handled workforce solutions for the DuPont Co. Her professional and volunteer experience also includes serving as a member of the Delaware Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, volunteer work with the Rape Crisis Center and a stint as Exceptional Care for Children’s director of development. She is currently the president of Jobs for Delaware Graduates, a nonprofit that helps students connect with sustainable, skills-based career opportunities.
Sen. Poore’s interest in government policy began after the birth of her oldest son Nicholas, who was diagnosed cerebral palsy. Her activism in the special-needs community led to a successful 2012 bid for state Senate. Following her unchallenged bid for reelection in 2016, Sen. Poore was selected to serve as Senate Majority Whip by her peers. She then served as Senate Majority Leader from 2019 to 2021.
Sen. Poore currently chairs the Joint Capital Improvement Committee and serves as vice chair of both the Senate Health & Social Services Committee and the Senate Labor Committee. She also sits on the Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee.
She and her husband Billy live in New Castle with their three children.
Michael Ramone
Delaware State Representative (R)
Mike Ramone was first elected to the House in 2008. A lifelong Delaware resident, Mike graduated from St Mark’s High School and attended the University of Delaware. In 1982, at age 21, he opened his first business, Ramone’s Flower Shoppes. Mike and Lisa have three grown children - Brittany, Ross, and Nicholas, and a new grandson, Wendell Ross.
Mike – a true entrepreneur – founded, owned, and operated multiple local businesses with his wife of 35 years, Lisa. They currently own six successful businesses and employ over 200 individuals throughout the year.
For 40 years, Mike’s passion has been coaching and mentoring children of all ages in swimming, and in life. He has taught swimming and coached at various community clubs and nonprofit organizations, as well as at public and private high schools throughout New Castle County.
As a businessman and Delaware resident, Mike’s commitment has been to help the community.
As a legislator, Mike works tirelessly to resolve community issues. He has repeatedly secured funding for projects throughout the 21st District. Read more!
Delaware State Representative (R)
Mike Ramone was first elected to the House in 2008. A lifelong Delaware resident, Mike graduated from St Mark’s High School and attended the University of Delaware. In 1982, at age 21, he opened his first business, Ramone’s Flower Shoppes. Mike and Lisa have three grown children - Brittany, Ross, and Nicholas, and a new grandson, Wendell Ross.
Mike – a true entrepreneur – founded, owned, and operated multiple local businesses with his wife of 35 years, Lisa. They currently own six successful businesses and employ over 200 individuals throughout the year.
For 40 years, Mike’s passion has been coaching and mentoring children of all ages in swimming, and in life. He has taught swimming and coached at various community clubs and nonprofit organizations, as well as at public and private high schools throughout New Castle County.
As a businessman and Delaware resident, Mike’s commitment has been to help the community.
As a legislator, Mike works tirelessly to resolve community issues. He has repeatedly secured funding for projects throughout the 21st District. Read more!
Andrew R. Silverman - Secretary
Partner - MacElree Harvey, Ltd.
Andrew R. Silverman is an attorney at MacElree Harvey, Ltd., a full service law firm with 30+ lawyers in five offices, including its Centreville, Delaware location.
Licensed to practice in both Delaware and Pennsylvania, Andy focuses his practice on business, corporate, and transactional law. In connection with this work, Andy routinely advises businesses and individuals concerning complex corporate compliance and internal governance issues; business formation, sale, and acquisition; and commercial contracts.
Andy joined World Trade Center Delaware in 2015 after recognizing that his clients were increasingly confronting international legal issues, such as FCPA compliance and multi-boarder trade agreements. Since joining, Andy has advised manufacturers and service providers regarding all matters affecting international trade, including business acquisition, sales, distribution and supply agreements, licensing, and joint venture agreements.
As a native Delawarean, Andy has developed a deep personal interest in World Trade Center Delaware’s mission in assisting local companies succeed in a competitive and global commercial environment.
Partner - MacElree Harvey, Ltd.
Andrew R. Silverman is an attorney at MacElree Harvey, Ltd., a full service law firm with 30+ lawyers in five offices, including its Centreville, Delaware location.
Licensed to practice in both Delaware and Pennsylvania, Andy focuses his practice on business, corporate, and transactional law. In connection with this work, Andy routinely advises businesses and individuals concerning complex corporate compliance and internal governance issues; business formation, sale, and acquisition; and commercial contracts.
Andy joined World Trade Center Delaware in 2015 after recognizing that his clients were increasingly confronting international legal issues, such as FCPA compliance and multi-boarder trade agreements. Since joining, Andy has advised manufacturers and service providers regarding all matters affecting international trade, including business acquisition, sales, distribution and supply agreements, licensing, and joint venture agreements.
As a native Delawarean, Andy has developed a deep personal interest in World Trade Center Delaware’s mission in assisting local companies succeed in a competitive and global commercial environment.
Charlie Tomlinson - Chair
Vice President - Today Media / Delaware Business Times
Charlie Tomlinson has been around the Delaware business community for over 40 years, the entire time in some form of marketing communications. Currently vice president of business development for Today Media (publishers of Delaware Today, Delaware Business Times, and six other publications -- plus custom publications for external clients), Charlie has also been director of marketing for two local retail automotive groups.
He joined Today Media for his first tour of duty in 1993 as director of sales and marketing for Delaware Today Magazine. During that period, he was instrumental for the company in launching Main Line Today Magazine in the western suburbs of Philadelphia.
Graduated from Temple University, he started his career in radio, coming to Wilmington to serve as general sales manager of WJBR/99.5 FM. In addition to World Trade Center, he is active in Committee of 100, several Delaware chambers of commerce, and the CIRC. Read more!
Vice President - Today Media / Delaware Business Times
Charlie Tomlinson has been around the Delaware business community for over 40 years, the entire time in some form of marketing communications. Currently vice president of business development for Today Media (publishers of Delaware Today, Delaware Business Times, and six other publications -- plus custom publications for external clients), Charlie has also been director of marketing for two local retail automotive groups.
He joined Today Media for his first tour of duty in 1993 as director of sales and marketing for Delaware Today Magazine. During that period, he was instrumental for the company in launching Main Line Today Magazine in the western suburbs of Philadelphia.
Graduated from Temple University, he started his career in radio, coming to Wilmington to serve as general sales manager of WJBR/99.5 FM. In addition to World Trade Center, he is active in Committee of 100, several Delaware chambers of commerce, and the CIRC. Read more!
Board Meeting Minutes
*Minutes - March 16, 2022
*Minutes - January 19, 2022
*Minutes - November 17, 2021
*Minutes - October 6, 2021
*Minutes - July 21, 2021
*Minutes - May 19, 2021
*Minutes - March 24, 2021
*Minutes - January 27, 2021
*Minutes - November 18, 2020
*Minutes - September 16, 2020
*Minutes - July 15, 2020
* Minutes - May 27, 2020
* Minutes - March 27, 2020
* Minutes - January 22, 2020
* Minutes - November 20, 2019
*Minutes - March 16, 2022
*Minutes - January 19, 2022
*Minutes - November 17, 2021
*Minutes - October 6, 2021
*Minutes - July 21, 2021
*Minutes - May 19, 2021
*Minutes - March 24, 2021
*Minutes - January 27, 2021
*Minutes - November 18, 2020
*Minutes - September 16, 2020
*Minutes - July 15, 2020
* Minutes - May 27, 2020
* Minutes - March 27, 2020
* Minutes - January 22, 2020
* Minutes - November 20, 2019
Director Emeritus
Jacques Luben
Managing Partner - Inc. Plan (USA)
Jacques Luben was born in Paris, France. As a child his parents moved him to New York City where he earned a French Baccalaureate and developed strong proficiency in several languages.
After earning a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Columbia University, Jacques embarked on a career as a commodities trader with two major Wall Street firms from 1979 to 1985.
In 1985, he accepted the position of Executive Director of Platinum Guild International (USA). The latter is a major London based trade association with offices in 7 countries. Jacques’ tenure in this role lasted 15 years. Read more!
Managing Partner - Inc. Plan (USA)
Jacques Luben was born in Paris, France. As a child his parents moved him to New York City where he earned a French Baccalaureate and developed strong proficiency in several languages.
After earning a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Columbia University, Jacques embarked on a career as a commodities trader with two major Wall Street firms from 1979 to 1985.
In 1985, he accepted the position of Executive Director of Platinum Guild International (USA). The latter is a major London based trade association with offices in 7 countries. Jacques’ tenure in this role lasted 15 years. Read more!