January 28, 2010

Markell Names President of Delmarva Power to Lead Workforce Investment Board

“Quality Job Training is Critical to Get People Back to Work”

Dover, DE – Governor Jack Markell today announced that the President of Delmarva Power, Gary Stockbridge, is his choice to become Chairman of Delaware’s Workforce Investment Board, or WIB. Helping coordinate job training for people looking to return to work is the first of WIB’s several responsibilities.
 
“We must make sure that hard-working Delawareans have the skills they need to build better lives as our economy moves forward,” Markell said. “The strength of our state’s workforce is critical to attracting new employers and jobs.  Creating new jobs and improving the economic security of Delaware’s working families is our top priority.”
 
Before being named President of Delmarva Power, formerly Conectiv, Stockbridge served as Vice President of Customer Care.  He has held various positions related to operations, marketing and customer service at Delmarva Power and PECO Energy, after receiving an undergraduate degree in engineering and an MBA from Drexel University.
 
In addition to his work in business, he has volunteered his time on the boards of a number of organizations, including the Kingswood Community Center in Wilmington, the local American Heart Association, the Red Cross, Project RAKE, the Delaware State Chamber, United Way of Delaware, the Delaware Public Policy Institute and the Governor’s Energy Advisory Board.  He is also the past Chairman of Junior Achievement Delaware (JA).  He remains active in JA, volunteering to help prepare youth to succeed with a strong foundation of business and economic education.
 
“I’ve heard the Governor say repeatedly that Delaware can be and should be the best place in the country to start and grow a business.  I agree with him and believe a prepared workforce is essential to that goal,” Stockbridge said.  “I very much appreciate the opportunity and look forward to the challenges ahead.”
 
Markell highlighted Delmarva Power’s commitments to purchase wind power and its investments in eco-friendly vehicles in the selection, pointing out that the company has been an early supporter of growing clean energy jobs in Delaware.
 
“Gary has shown a strong commitment to his neighbors in this state,” added Markell. “Over the years, he has used his business experience to strengthen the local community.  I’m looking forward to working together with him to find innovative ways to strengthen our workforce.”
 
The role of the Workforce Investment Board is to coordinate the necessary players to ensure that Delaware has a pipeline of prepared workers, can provide rapid training and employment services to dislocated workers, and can respond to the hiring and training needs of new and existing employers.  Jeff Bross, who has been serving as Acting Chair, will remain with the Board’s leadership, serving as the Vice Chair.