Governor-elect Jack Markell announced Tuesday that he has selected co-chairs to lead his transition team's committees, which will be focusing on key areas of state government, including economic growth, education, health care and the environment. 

"I am delighted to have such talented people leading these committees," Markell said. "Their ideas about the innovative ways we can meet the challenges facing our state will be critical in helping me and my administration to get to work from Day 1. We are facing sobering economic times, but this is a situation that also presents a great opportunity for us to be creative and make good decisions for Delaware's future." 

The committees will examine all aspects of state government, identify key challenges and opportunities for the incoming administration and highlight potential cost savings. The panels will begin meeting next week and report back to Governor-elect Markell on their findings before he takes office Jan. 20.

The committee co-chairs are:
• Administration: Don Puglisi, a University of Delaware professor emeritus and founder of Puglisi & Associates; and Nancy Shevock, a retired state employee who has served as the Director of the Delaware Transit Corporation and chief financial officer of the Capital School District.
• Jobs, Education and the Economy: Bank of America executive Tony Allen and Dr. Ileana Smith, vice president and director of Delaware Technical and Community College's Owens Campus in Georgetown.
• Human Services: Pastor Sylvester Beaman of Bethel AME church in Wilmington; and Drew Fennell, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Delaware chapter. 
• Infrastructure: Delaware Building Trades Council President Harry Gravell; Dick Willey, president of Perdue AgriBusiness; and Debbie Heaton, associate director of philanthropy for the Delaware Nature Conservancy.

Markell continues to add members to the four committees. Delawareans interested in serving on the transition team's four committees should visit www.markelltransition.com.

Individuals interested in applying to serve in the Markell administration can also submit their names and resumes on the site.