Delaware governor-elect announces cabinet noms

Delaware Governor-elect John Carney announced his nominations to lead several cabinet agencies when he takes office in January.

Carney’s selections were announced Tuesday, and include two carryovers from Gov. Jack Markell’s administration. The nominees are:

Mike Jackson – Director, Office of Management and Budget

“Mike has the experience and leadership skills necessary to help us immediately confront the budget challenges we face as a state,” Carney said. “I’m confident that Mike will help us responsibly balance our budget, protect taxpayer dollars, and make smart investments that will help all Delawareans thrive.”

The OMB director oversees development of the state’s annual budget, manages human resources needs and benefits among state employees, as well as the state’s pension investments.

Jackson spent 11 years with the OMB serving as director of Budget Development, Planning and Administration. He currently serves as the deputy controller general for the state of Delaware, working within the General Assembly to provide operating and capital budget analysis for the Joint Finance Committee and the Joint Committee on Capital Improvement.

Perry Phelps – Commissioner, Dept. of Correction

As commissioner, Phelps will lead Delaware’s correctional system and advise the governor on criminal justice policy. Phelps has served as deputy commissioner of the DOC since January 2015. He previously served as bureau chief of prisons for the department.

“Perry is well-respected inside and outside of the Department of Correction, and nobody is more prepared to lead the department,” the governor-elect said. “He will offer a unique perspective on the issues facing Delaware’s criminal justice system, and I’m thrilled he has agreed to join the team.”

Jennifer Cohan – Secretary, Department of Transportation

If confirmed, Jennifer Cohan will continue to serve as secretary of DelDOT, overseeing Delaware’s roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure. Gov. Jack Markell appointed Secretary Cohan in January 2015 to head up DelDOT after eight years as director of the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. 

“Jen has a proven record at DelDOT that will be a significant asset to our administration and to the people of Delaware,” Carney said. “During her time at DelDOT, she has helped modernize the DMV, and successfully advocated for new investments in Delaware’s transportation infrastructure. Her leadership will help us make even more progress.”

Jeffrey Bullock – Secretary, Department of State

“Jeff and I worked together in the Carper Administration and he shares my belief that government should expand opportunities for all Delawareans to succeed,” Carney said. “His public service experience at the federal, state and local levels provides a unique perspective that allows him to take on wide ranging challenges from protecting our lucrative corporate franchise to leading our efforts to expand the port. He will be an important part of our team as we address the state’s financial challenges next year.”

Jeffrey Bullock became the state’s 80th Secretary of State in January 2009, under Markell’s leadership. Pending confirmation, Bullock would continue to oversee the most diverse department in state government, responsible for 18 different state agencies including the arts, libraries, veterans and professional regulation. 

During his tenure, Secretary Bullock is credited with boosting Delaware’s business-friendly reputation, growing the state’s company formations by 40 percent and helping the state achieve record levels of investment in the arts, library construction and historic preservation.

Nominations to the governor’s cabinet must be confirmed by the Delaware Senate.