AUGUST 14, 2020 — Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Secretary Jennifer Cohan announced today she would be retiring after 31 years of state service.
“I will be officially retiring at the end of October to take on a new challenge,” Sec. Cohan stated in an e-mail sent to DelDOT staffers. “Working as your secretary over the last six years and as the director of DMV for seven years prior to that has been the highlight of my career, and I am very proud of all that we have accomplished together. I have accepted a position as CEO of Leadership Delaware Inc. (LDI), and I am very excited about this new opportunity.”
Gov. John Carney issued a press release soon after DelDOT workers received the news, saying Sec. Cohan is “a tremendous asset” and that “her experience, intellect, and depth of knowledge about how state government works will not easily be replaced.”
Sec. Cohan is well-liked by state lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, often working with them on legislative issues or to resolve local transportation concerns. “She is one of the best department heads I have had the opportunity to work with,” said State House Minority Leader Danny Short, R-Seaford. “Her move to LDI will be a great opportunity for future policymakers and entrepreneurs to learn from someone with a track record of successful leadership. While Jen is leaving state employment, she’ll continue to serve the public.”
Leadership Delaware is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization with a stated mission of recruiting young Delawareans and preparing them to transform their communities by excelling “at community, nonprofit, political, professional, and corporate leadership within the First State.”
The governor said he intends to nominate Deputy DelDOT Secretary Nicole Majeski to replace Sec. Cohan. Ms. Majeski has served in her current post since 2011. The Delaware Senate must confirm the nomination.
