Message from Leadership
The mission of the Kent Sussex Leadership Alliance (KSLA) is to bring together leaders to address the most pressing issues facing our region and to improve the quality of life across Kent and Sussex Counties. Founded more than two decades ago by a group of forward-thinking CEOs, KSLA was built on the belief that business leaders have a responsibility to engage in shaping strong, vibrant communities. Today, that mission continues through the collective voice of our growing membership.
KSLA has evolved into a dynamic, action-oriented alliance that connects business, education, and government to drive meaningful change. Our members share a commitment to collaboration, impact, and civic responsibility, working together to strengthen both our communities and our economy.
Our work spans several key areas, including economic development, workforce readiness, policy engagement, and community development. Through initiatives like Campaign Compass, we are helping prepare the next generation of leaders to serve in public office. We also engage in thoughtful policy discussions and advocacy efforts that support economic growth and a strong business climate. Our monthly leadership forums provide members with direct access to decision-makers and critical insights on issues impacting our region.
One of our proudest accomplishments remains the development of the DE Turf Sports Complex, which has become a major economic engine for our state and a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and long-term vision. Today, we continue to build on that momentum by tackling complex challenges facing our communities, including workforce shortages, housing, public safety, and the long-term vitality of our cities and towns.
This is a pivotal time for Kent and Sussex Counties. Growth brings opportunity, but also responsibility. KSLA is committed to being part of the solution by taking a thoughtful, proactive, and collaborative approach to the issues that matter most.
Together, we will continue to strengthen our communities, support our businesses, and ensure Delaware remains a place where people want to live, work, and invest.
KSLA has evolved into a dynamic, action-oriented alliance that connects business, education, and government to drive meaningful change. Our members share a commitment to collaboration, impact, and civic responsibility, working together to strengthen both our communities and our economy.
Our work spans several key areas, including economic development, workforce readiness, policy engagement, and community development. Through initiatives like Campaign Compass, we are helping prepare the next generation of leaders to serve in public office. We also engage in thoughtful policy discussions and advocacy efforts that support economic growth and a strong business climate. Our monthly leadership forums provide members with direct access to decision-makers and critical insights on issues impacting our region.
One of our proudest accomplishments remains the development of the DE Turf Sports Complex, which has become a major economic engine for our state and a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and long-term vision. Today, we continue to build on that momentum by tackling complex challenges facing our communities, including workforce shortages, housing, public safety, and the long-term vitality of our cities and towns.
This is a pivotal time for Kent and Sussex Counties. Growth brings opportunity, but also responsibility. KSLA is committed to being part of the solution by taking a thoughtful, proactive, and collaborative approach to the issues that matter most.
Together, we will continue to strengthen our communities, support our businesses, and ensure Delaware remains a place where people want to live, work, and invest.
OUR HISTORY
In the fall of 1986, out of a love for Dover and a desire to give back to this community, Greater Kent Committee founder Muriel Schwartz joined forces with several other community leaders in search of a way to improve the quality of life in the greater Dover area. By December of 1988 the original steering committee, consisting of Muriel Schwartz, Pete Brockstedt, Karl Dorzback, Frank Fantini, Jim Flood, Jr., Terry Jackson and Jerry Records, had invited 19 additional civic minded business leaders to join their efforts and the newly formed Greater Dover Committee set out to fulfill their mission. In 2010, the mission of the Greater Dover Committee expanded to focus on all of Central Delaware. Shortly after, the organizations name Greater Dover Committee was changed to the Greater Kent Committee to reflect the broader mission of the organization. In early 2023, they expanded to include Sussex County, making them Kent Sussex Leadership Alliance (KSLA).
OUR PAST PRESIDENTS
OUR PAST PRESIDENTS
- Chris Baker July 1 2025 June 30 2026
- Michelle Taylor,July 1 2024-June 30 2025
- Lisa Ratliff, July 1 2023-June 30 2024
- David Blaeuer, July 1 2022-June 30 2023
- Lisa Ratliff: July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022
- Scott Rathfon: July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021
- Craig Crouch: July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020
- Gerard L. Esposito: July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018
- Scott Brown: July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017
- Patti Key: July 1, 2015-June 30, 2016
- Bill Andrew: July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015
- Ed Dulin: July 1, 2013-June 30, 2014
- William Strickland: July 1, 2012-June 30,2013
- Thomas J. Burns: July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012
- Alan Kovitz: July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011
- Gregg Moore: July 1, 2009 -June 30, 2010
- Robert MacLeish: July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009
- Gregg Moore: July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008
- Jennings Hastings: July 1, 2006-June 30, 2007
- Gail Fink: July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006
- Frank Fantini: July 1, 2003-June 30, 2005
- E. Bradford Bennett: July 1, 2002-June 30, 2003
- Melville F. Warren, Jr.: July 1, 2001-June 30, 2002
- Michael J. Malkiewicz, Esq. : July 1, 2000-June 30, 2001
- Robert Berglund: July 1, 1999-June 30, 2000
- William F. Holden: July 1, 1998-June 30, 1999
- Robert L. Edgell: July 1, 1997-June 30, 1998
- Charlie Paradee: July 1, 1996-June 30, 1997
- Joseph McDaniel: July 1, 1995-June 30, 1996
- Thomas J. Burns: July 1, 1994-June 30, 1995
- Homer “Sonny” Reihm: July 1, 1993-June 30, 1994
- Muriel Schwartz: July 1, 1992-June 30, 1993