People on the Move: May 31

May 31, 2024 16

People on the Move is a rundown of recent hirings, promotions, appointments and other notable movements by professionals in the state. If you’re interested in submitting an entry, please contact news@delawarebusinesstimes.com.

The Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH) named Joanne McGeoch the executive director. McGeoch has more than two decades of non-profit leadership experience, most recently as vice president for Philanthropy at Delaware Community Foundation and interim executive director at the Delaware Nature Society.

Joann McGeoch | PHOTO COURTESY OF DCH

“The multifaceted career path and executive expertise Joanne brings to DCH will undoubtedly expand our programmatic scope and community engagement within Wilmington and throughout the First State, “ Carrie Wiles, interim executive director, said. “Our future is bright, and I look forward to seeing the next chapter in DCH’s community partnerships expand and develop.”

McGeoch’s will oversee DCH’s operations, strategic planning, program development, fundraising, and community outreach. She will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to build upon DCH’s foundation of connecting communities with the power of plants.

“DCH combines my deep experience and passion for connecting people to the natural world, and building more sustainable, resilient communities,” Joanne McGeoch, executive director, said. The organization is at an exciting inflection point in its more than 40-year history, and the mission is so relevant to the need for nature-based systems that build resiliency, support biodiversity, and improve the environment. I am honored to be joining the organization, and look forward to working with our staff, board, volunteers and partners to cultivate greener neighborhoods that are healthier, beautiful, and ecologically sustainable.”

Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico, LLC, a Baltimore-based law firm, announced the promotion of Michele Wenz, Esq., and Erica Magliocca, Esq., to partner.

Wenz has been with firm as an associate since 2016. She has experience in both residential and commercial settlements. She represents individuals, entities, and both buyers and sellers. Wenz also has experience in business entity formations and management. She is from Pennsylvania and moved to Delaware in 2006. She obtained her undergraduate degrees from Wesley College in 2010 and earned her law degree from Widener University School of Law in 2015. Prior to working for the firm, she worked for the Department of Justice in the criminal division. She has been named a Top Lawyer in Delaware Today every year since 2020 and is admitted to practice law in the courts of the States of New Jersey and Delaware.

Magliocca joined the firm in 2023 and has quickly been elevated to partner in the medical malpractice group. She recently joined the firm after more than two decades defending health care institutions and providers, pharmaceutical companies, and other defendants in negligence and other civil litigation matters. Magliocca has now shifted her focus to advocating for individuals who have suffered catastrophic injury and loss because of medical negligence. With a demonstrated track record of success handling the most complex medical negligence cases, Magliocca will utilize her extensive knowledge, experience, and legal acumen to deliver outstanding results for clients. Magliocca graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, with a Certificate in Law and Health Care. She is a member of the Maryland Bar.

“We are thrilled to promote Michele and Erica to partners,” Glenn Mandalas, Esq., managing partner of Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico, LLC, said “Throughout Michele’s tenure at the firm, she has consistently demonstrated her abilities as an associate in our real estate group and now will continue in her role as partner. Her promotion reflects her significant contributions to our law firm and our confidence in her ability for continued success.” Says Mandalas, “Erica excels in our Baltimore office’s medical malpractice group which has been growing and building each year with Erica’s guidance, hard work, and perseverance. Her abilities in the medical malpractice area are unsurpassed and we are overjoyed to have her as part of our team.”

First State Ballet Theatre (FSBT) announced Aynsley Inglis will serve as director for The School of FSBT at Whitehall.

Inglis is a native Delawarean, original company member of First State Ballet Theatre, and an alum of The School of FSBT. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in Wilmington and received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Delaware. In addition to FSBT, Inglis was a professional dancer with Universal Ballet Company in Seoul, Korea where she toured the world performing in numerous classical and contemporary ballets. She’s performed across the United States with Ballet Fleming, Tulsa Ballet, Christopher Caines Dance Company, Metropolitan Ballet, and Bay Area Houston Ballet. In 2010, Inglis was selected to compete in the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, MS, which is regarded as the “olympics of ballet.” Inglis was the first Delawarean ever selected for this prestigious competition, and she was entered into the Library of Congress.

Inglis brings over 20 years of experience teaching across all levels and ages to her new role. Working closely with Kristina Kambalov, FSBT’s Executive Director & Chair of Faculty, Inglis will oversee the opening of and programming for FSBT’s new satellite school in Whitehall, DE which is slated to open later this year.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Aynsley into this key role for the company as we continue to expand our reach across Delaware. Her deep technical knowledge of ballet and infectious enthusiasm for this art form will delight and inspire students,” Kristina Kambalov said.

Patti Gibson | PHOTO COURTESY OF JFD

“As a Delaware native and former FSBT student, this is a homecoming for me. The training Kristina and Pasha provided to me as a student was foundational to my professional career, and I can’t wait to get into our new studios to share my love of ballet with the next generation,” said Inglis.

The Jewish Federation of Delaware (JFD) has named Patti Gibson the advancement director. Gibson is a strategic leader with proven critical thinking skills.

Gibson will manage the Federation’s Annual Campaign, Women’s Philanthropy, and its planned giving and endowment arm, Jewish Fund for the Future, with total managed assets exceeding $32 million.

Gibson brings extensive communications, business development, and market analytics expertise from both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. She holds an M.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in Journalism, both from Temple University.