About Us

Why Leadership Delaware?
Leadership Delaware is a nonprofit that believes leaders with vision and integrity, with the commitment to affect positive change in the Delaware community and our nation, are all too few. Yes, every company, nonprofit and foundation does have some within their ranks who “have IT,” but virtually every organization cries out, “Where are our leaders of tomorrow?”

 To meet this pressing need, Gov. Pete du Pont, Terry and Sandy Strine came together to create Leadership Delaware during the summer of 2008.  By all accounts and every measure, our Leadership Delaware program has already made significant progress in “building the bench” of Delaware’s next generation of leaders.  And, we have just begun.  There is much more work to be done, and we are up to the task!

Our program offers a series of issue-oriented forums and experiences, which are based on the belief that knowledge is a key element and prime motivator of leadership. Ours is an intensive, fast-moving program described by our Fellows as “an MBA in Delaware!” The breadth and depth of our full year program give our Fellows the opportunity to meet and hear first-hand from 135-140 speakers – those in the state who “make it happen” every day. These prominent and accomplished Delaware leaders, Corporate CEO’s, the Governor, members of the Cabinet, University Presidents, Legislators, and members of the Judiciary, present on topics including: the Economy, Healthcare, Education, Leadership, Government & Public Affairs, Law & the Judiciary, Delaware Industry, Nonprofits & Philanthropy, the Arts, Politics, Law Enforcement, and more!

Just as a pebble in a pond creates ever wider circles, emanating outward until those circles reach every bank of the pond, so our Leadership Delaware Fellows are touching our Delaware community in a way few thought possible.

 

Meet Our CEO

Jennifer Cohan

Jennifer Cohan

CEO

Welcome to Leadership Delaware (LDI),

At LDI, we strive to be exceptional! Each year, we recruit and train the best young leaders from around the state and give them the networks and knowledge they need to make their communities, and our state, a better place to live, work and play! There is no better way to give back to our state then putting in the time and resources to shape the future leaders of Delaware!

One thing that this last year has taught us all is that leadership is more important now than it ever has been for both our State, and our country. We need to develop strong, knowledgeable Fellows who have the compassion and humility to face the tough challenges which lie ahead. That is what we do here at Leadership Delaware.

Please feel free to reach out at any time to me or my team. We are grateful for you and the unique perspective which you will bring to the entire LDI family!

Sincerely,

Jen Cohan

Our Leadership

Jaimie Watts

Jaimie Watts

Chief of Operations

Mackenzie Brockmeyer

Mackenzie Brockmeyer

Executive Assistant

Meet The Board

 

Meet The Advisory Board

 

Meet Our Founders & Honorary Board

Fellows’ Stories

When I first heard about Leadership Delaware, I had no expectations for what to expect.  However, it was recommended to me by people that I respect so I decided to apply.  After only a few months into the program, it has already lived up to the way it was described to me.  LDI has guided me to step outside of my comfort zone and helped me to build connections that I will cherish for years to come.

Chuck Posnecker

Bryn Mawr Capital Management

Leadership Delaware has provided me an experience that will culminate to a platform and space to advocate for the things that keep me going – community and liberation.

Sierra Harris

Longwood Foundation