board of directors
Eric Casey
CEO - GT USA Wilmington
Eric Casey is a multi-dimensional senior executive with experience in leadership, multi-site operations, strategic planning, business execution, quality assurance, maintenance, cost management, and process improvement.
Eric has a unique background, having spent more than 26 years in the United States Marine Corps, covering roles in tactical aviation and Special Operations. As a Marine, Eric flew in F/A-18’s, was a member of a National-Level Special Mission Unit, spent tours in Force Reconnaissance, and has participated in multiple combat deployments in three different wars. In business, prior to joining GT USA, Eric worked for Virginia International Terminals as part of the senior leadership in the role of Vice President, and for Maersk Line, Limited in Operations, Emerging Markets and Business Development. Read more!
CEO - GT USA Wilmington
Eric Casey is a multi-dimensional senior executive with experience in leadership, multi-site operations, strategic planning, business execution, quality assurance, maintenance, cost management, and process improvement.
Eric has a unique background, having spent more than 26 years in the United States Marine Corps, covering roles in tactical aviation and Special Operations. As a Marine, Eric flew in F/A-18’s, was a member of a National-Level Special Mission Unit, spent tours in Force Reconnaissance, and has participated in multiple combat deployments in three different wars. In business, prior to joining GT USA, Eric worked for Virginia International Terminals as part of the senior leadership in the role of Vice President, and for Maersk Line, Limited in Operations, Emerging Markets and Business Development. Read more!
Damian DeStefano
Division of Small Business, State of Delaware
Damian serves as Director of the Delaware Division of Small Business, a position he has held since August 2018.
Prior to that, he worked as the Deputy Principal Assistant at the Office of Management and Budget, where he oversaw the development and passage of Delaware's annual Capital Budget.
From 2015-2016 he worked as the Economic Development Policy Advisor to Governor Jack Markell, handling workforce development, business attraction, and related legislative policy for the Governor. Previously, he served for three years as a legislative aide in the Delaware General Assembly.
Damian graduated from the University of Delaware in 2011 with an undergraduate degree in Economics and Political Science, and from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 2020 with a Masters in Business Administration, with a major in Finance.
Division of Small Business, State of Delaware
Damian serves as Director of the Delaware Division of Small Business, a position he has held since August 2018.
Prior to that, he worked as the Deputy Principal Assistant at the Office of Management and Budget, where he oversaw the development and passage of Delaware's annual Capital Budget.
From 2015-2016 he worked as the Economic Development Policy Advisor to Governor Jack Markell, handling workforce development, business attraction, and related legislative policy for the Governor. Previously, he served for three years as a legislative aide in the Delaware General Assembly.
Damian graduated from the University of Delaware in 2011 with an undergraduate degree in Economics and Political Science, and from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 2020 with a Masters in Business Administration, with a major in Finance.
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.
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.
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!
Brian M.P. McGlinchey
Managing Director - McCarter Government Solutions, LLC
Brian M.P. McGlinchey is a government relations professional with almost a quarter of a century experience in federal, state and local affairs.
The former Projects Director for then-United States Senator and now former Vice President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Mr. McGlinchey was most recently the Director of the Delaware based Laborers – Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, a progressive labor-management fund. For the last 12 years, Mr. McGlinchey forged economic policies which promoted growth in the construction industry in the eastern region. He recently spearheaded an effort in collaboration with the development community to expand brownfields redevelopment on 14 sites, including the Claymont corridor in the coastal zone.
Mr. McGlinchey is also the President of Delawareans For Economic and Environmental Development (DEED), a coalition of labor, civic, environmental and business leaders which champion balanced policies that expand the tax base and create private sector jobs while enhancing and protecting the environment. Read more!
Managing Director - McCarter Government Solutions, LLC
Brian M.P. McGlinchey is a government relations professional with almost a quarter of a century experience in federal, state and local affairs.
The former Projects Director for then-United States Senator and now former Vice President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Mr. McGlinchey was most recently the Director of the Delaware based Laborers – Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, a progressive labor-management fund. For the last 12 years, Mr. McGlinchey forged economic policies which promoted growth in the construction industry in the eastern region. He recently spearheaded an effort in collaboration with the development community to expand brownfields redevelopment on 14 sites, including the Claymont corridor in the coastal zone.
Mr. McGlinchey is also the President of Delawareans For Economic and Environmental Development (DEED), a coalition of labor, civic, environmental and business leaders which champion balanced policies that expand the tax base and create private sector jobs while enhancing and protecting the environment. Read more!
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!
Dennis Rochford
President - Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River & Bay
Dennis Rochford is President of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, a non-profit trade association serving port businesses throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. In addition to managing the association’s staff and overseeing the development of the port community’s automation network, Mr. Rochford represents the regional port community to government officials in Washington, D.C., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Trenton, New Jersey, and Dover, Delaware concerning a range of key issues critical to the success of the Delaware River regional port complex.
Mr. Rochford is a founding member and past president of the National Association of Maritime Organizations. He serves as board director for the American Institute for International Steel, Ports of Philadelphia Maritime Society, the Port of Wilmington Maritime Society, the Chilean American Chamber of Commerce, the PENJERDEL Council, and the Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin. Mr. Rochford also serves on the board of directors for the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce and World Trade Association of Philadelphia. He further serves as a commission member on the Delaware Health Care Commission, as a University of Delaware College of Health Sciences Advisory Council member, and as board director for Delaware First Media.
Mr. Rochford’s expertise on issues of governmental and business importance resulted in weekly Monday evening appearances as a commentator on the former WHYY-TV 12’s news program, Delaware Tonight for a period of 11 years.
President - Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River & Bay
Dennis Rochford is President of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, a non-profit trade association serving port businesses throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. In addition to managing the association’s staff and overseeing the development of the port community’s automation network, Mr. Rochford represents the regional port community to government officials in Washington, D.C., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Trenton, New Jersey, and Dover, Delaware concerning a range of key issues critical to the success of the Delaware River regional port complex.
Mr. Rochford is a founding member and past president of the National Association of Maritime Organizations. He serves as board director for the American Institute for International Steel, Ports of Philadelphia Maritime Society, the Port of Wilmington Maritime Society, the Chilean American Chamber of Commerce, the PENJERDEL Council, and the Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin. Mr. Rochford also serves on the board of directors for the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce and World Trade Association of Philadelphia. He further serves as a commission member on the Delaware Health Care Commission, as a University of Delaware College of Health Sciences Advisory Council member, and as board director for Delaware First Media.
Mr. Rochford’s expertise on issues of governmental and business importance resulted in weekly Monday evening appearances as a commentator on the former WHYY-TV 12’s news program, Delaware Tonight for a period of 11 years.
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!
David L. Wilson
Delaware State Senator
Bio coming soon!
Delaware State Senator
Bio coming soon!