(WILMINGTON, DE) – Leadership Delaware, Inc. (LDI) is proud to announce the appointment of their new Chair and Vice Chair, as well as three new members of the Board of Directors.
Stepping into the position of Chair is Joel M. Brown, II. For the last three years, Joel served as Vice Chair of the Board and played a pivotal role in LDI’s leadership transition. A graduate of LDI’s class of 2016, he is the first LDI alumnus to become Chair of the Board.
Joining Joel as Vice Chair is Bianca Fraser-Johnson. Bianca has been a dedicated member of the Board of Directors and Advisory Board and, like Joel, is an alumna of the LDI program, graduating in 2010.
“It is an absolute honor to serve as the Chair of the Board for Leadership Delaware,” said LDI Chair, Joel Brown. “As a proud alum and board member, I know how this program and organization can positively impact developing leaders and our communities. I look forward to the opportunity to support Jen Cohan, the LDI team, Board, and alumni to continue the tradition of exceptional leadership.”
Additionally, LDI is welcoming three new members to the Board of Directors: Patti Grimes, Terry Murphy, FACHE and Eugene Young, Jr.
“We have a stellar line up of leadership on our Board of Directors as well as our newly elected Officers and Board Members from across the state,” said Jen Cohan, CEO of Leadership Delaware. “We have a very exciting year ahead with the new LDI Class of 2023 as well, they may be the Best Class Ever!”
Patti Grimes is the Executive Director of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation. Based in Selbyville, DE and serving the entire Delmarva Peninsula, the Foundation’s purpose is to create opportunities that elevate the human spirit. Patti is a fierce advocate for the arts and passionately believes in the impact that the arts can make to quality of life for residents and visitors, in addition to being a source of hope and joy for the community. She leads the organization in building and sustaining relationships with the communities that the Foundation serves while overseeing programming at the Freeman Arts Pavilion, formerly known as The Freeman Stage, which has had an economic impact of over $100 million for the local community since their first performing season in 2008.
Additionally, Patti also serves in leadership roles for a number of organizations across the state, including Vice Chair for both Delaware Technical Community College and the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement.
Terry M. Murphy received his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Belmont Abbey in 1982 and a master’s degree in health services administration from The George Washington University in 1985. He was appointed president and chief executive officer of Bayhealth, Inc., and president and chief executive officer of Bayhealth Medical Center, Inc., in October 2009, after holding previous titles as
Bayhealth Medical Center executive vice president and chief operating officer and, prior, vice president of Bayhealth’s southern region. Murphy is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Bayhealth Kent and Sussex Hospitals. He currently serves as chairman of the Bayhealth Medical Center Board, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees for the University of Delaware and a member of the
Delaware Business Roundtable. Murphy is also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. He is the Delaware delegate and members of the American Hospital Association, Regional Policy Board-Region 3.
Eugene R. Young, Jr., Delaware’s Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority, was appointed to his current position by Governor John Carney in May of 2021. In cooperation with other state agencies and advocates, Director Young drives DSHA’s mission to provide and assist others to provide, quality, affordable housing opportunities and appropriate supportive services to low- and moderate-income Delawareans.
Prior to his appointment, Director Young served as the President and CEO of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League and co-founded Network Delaware, a grassroots, member-led organization of community members, leaders, organizers, and activists joining together to bring real, sustainable change to Delaware.
For a full list of our Board and Advisory Board Members, click here.