Delaware economic secretary leaving job in July

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 (photo courtesy DEDO)

(photo courtesy DEDO)

Alan Levin will leave Governor Markell’s cabinet this July to take a job with the late Matt Haley’s SoDel Concepts.

Alan Levin will leave his post as leader of the Delaware Economic Development Office following the end of the legislative session. Levin will become a senior advisor for SoDel Concepts, a Delaware restaurant group founded by the late Matt Haley. 

“While I leave with mixed emotions, the opportunity to perpetuate the great work of entrepreneur and humanitarian Matt Haley will allow me to continue service to the people of Delaware in different but equally rewarding ways,” Levin said in a statement.

Levin has been a part of the governor’s administration from the start of Markell’s first term in 2009. The economy has been tumultuous from the very start of his time as DEDO director, and Markell credits Levin with helping guide the state’s economy in a very challenging time.

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“Successfully improving the economy since 2009 has required a relentless pursuit of opportunities to attract new companies and support existing ones,” Markell said. “I’m forever grateful for his tireless service to our state and for his long-term commitment to the administration.”

Levin’s tenure saw the closure and subsequent rebirth of the Delaware City Refinery as well as the redevelopment of the former Chrysler plant in Newark, which is now home to the University of Delaware’s STAR campus. 

Also under Levin’s term, the state spent millions of dollars to lure Fisker Automotive to build its cars at the former GM plant on Boxwood Rd. in Newport. “If you had to pick a disappointment, that was the biggest one,” Levin said. Fisker was DEDO’s “lowpoint”, he said, “But we’ve come back stronger and better than we’ve ever been.”

Markell is expected to announce his nominee to replace Levin in the coming days.

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