Cabinet nominations must be confirmed by the Delaware Senate

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor-elect John Carney on Friday made an announcement about the Department of Labor and announced selections to lead two additional Cabinet agencies when he takes office:

• Robert Coupe – Secretary, Department of Safety and Homeland Security
• Michael Scuse – Secretary, Department of Agriculture

Nominations to the Governor’s Cabinet must be confirmed by the Delaware Senate. Confirmation hearings are planned for January 18 and January 25.

Governor-elect Carney and members of his team continue to review the concerns about discrimination within the Department of Labor. Delaware Labor Secretary Patrice Gilliam-Johnson has agreed to continue serving as Secretary of the agency during that review.

“I take concerns about discrimination very seriously and will take steps as Governor to combat discrimination across government,” said Governor-elect Carney. “I am grateful to Secretary Gilliam-Johnson for her work in continuing to help address these issues.”

Robert Coupe will be nominated to serve as Secretary of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the agency with responsibility for protecting the safety and welfare of all Delawareans, overseeing the Delaware State Police, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, and the State Council for Persons with Disabilities, among other divisions.

Coupe has served as Commissioner of the Delaware Department of Correction since 2013, having been appointed by Governor Jack Markell and confirmed by the Delaware Senate. In his current position, he oversees Delaware’s correctional system, leading an agency with 2,500 employees that supervises more than 7,000 inmates.

Previously, he spent more than 28 years at the Delaware State Police, including more than three years leading the State Police as Superintendent. During his career as a State Trooper, he worked as a Detective in the Major Crimes and Homicide units, drill instructor at the training academy, Patrol Sergeant, and Internal Affairs investigator.

“There is no one better prepared to address Delaware’s crime problems, and protect the safety of Delaware residents, than Rob,” said Governor-elect Carney. “He is well-respected across government and across our state. His unique combination of experience, leading the Delaware State Police and our correctional system, will serve Delawareans well. I’m thrilled he has agreed to join the team.”

Michael Scuse will be nominated to serve as Secretary of the Delaware Department of Agriculture, an agency that promotes and supports Delaware’s agricultural industry, oversees food inspection services to protect Delaware consumers, ensures agricultural compliance statewide, and helps conserve forest resources.
Scuse has served as the Acting Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture since March 2016, helping support the national agricultural industry, promote vibrant rural communities, and open new markets for America’s farmers. Previously, Scuse was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, leading efforts to promote American agricultural products globally. From 2001 to 2008, he served Secretary of the Delaware Department of Agriculture under then-Governor Ruth Ann Minner.

“Agriculture is crucially important to our economy and way of life, particularly in southern Delaware,” said Governor-elect Carney. “Over the next four years, we’ll take action to preserve Delaware’s farmland, help farmers better protect our environment, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens to help smaller farmers succeed. Michael is uniquely qualified to lead that work.”

Photos are available at transition.delaware.gov

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