People on the Move: Nov. 1

November 1, 2024 6

William A. Thomas, Jr., MD, a neurologist who has been on Beebe Healthcare’s medical staff for over two decades, is joining Beebe Medical Group. Michele Thomas, MD, FACS, FASCRS, a Fellowship-Trained and Board-Certified Colorectal Surgeon, is also a long-standing member of Beebe Healthcare’s medical staff and is now an employed physician with Beebe Medical Group.

Dr. William Thomas and Dr. Michele Thomas | PHOTO COURTESY OF BEEBE

During that time, his private practice, Delaware Neurology Associates, was recognized as a valuable resource for local patients in need of comprehensive neurological care. Two physician assistants who were part of that practice, Mary Kate Horner, PA-C, and Kristina Johnson, PA-C, are also joining Dr. Thomas in the transition to Beebe Medical Group.

Dr. Thomas, Jr. specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex neurological disorders including, dementia, migraines, strokes, and seizures. Additionally, Dr. Thomas, Jr. performs electromyography (EMG), a technique used to evaluate and record electrical activity within muscle cells and nerves. This procedure aids in the diagnosis of neurological issues, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and sciatica.

“Beebe is the right choice for my practice as I work to expand services to the community,” said Dr. Thomas. “Beebe is very attentive to the needs of the community, and I am committed to providing comprehensive neurological care for the people of Sussex County.”

Dr. Thomas, Jr. earned his medical degree at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. Upon graduation, he completed his internship in internal medicine at Griffin Hospital in Connecticut, a Yale University affiliate, and subsequent training in psychiatry at the University of Connecticut Health System. Dr. Thomas completed his training in neurology at the Allegheny (formerly Hahnemann) University Hospital in Philadelphia.

He is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine, the American Medical Association, and the Delaware Medical Society. Dr. Thomas, Jr. is proud to have been named “Delaware Top Doc” by Delaware Today, multiple times throughout his career.

Previously, Dr. Thomas worked at Delmarva Surgery Associates in Lewes, which was her primary private practice.

Dr. Thomas specializes in medical and surgical management of anorectal disorders such as hemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses, and fistulas, as well as cancerous and precancerous lesions. Additionally, she performs colonoscopies, and advocates for screening examination to prevent and detect colon cancer. Dr. Thomas cares for patients ages 18 and over.

“Having lived and practiced colorectal surgery in Sussex County for more than 27 years, I already considered myself a part of the Beebe Healthcare community,” said Dr. Thomas. “Since the population of Sussex County is continuing to increase, I value Beebe’s commitment to keep pace and anticipate the needs of those who live and visit here. I appreciate that Beebe continues to grow and expand services to provide quality healthcare for the community. I look forward to continuing to serve patients of this community by providing comprehensive colorectal care.”

Dr. Thomas is a Board-Certified Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. She completed her undergraduate degree at Johns Hopkins University and earned her medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. Dr. Thomas completed her general surgery residency at St. Mary’s Hospital and Yale-New Haven Hospital in Connecticut. She was appointed Chief Resident and was the first woman to complete the general surgery program.

Dr. Thomas also completed a post-doctoral research fellowship at the Gastrointestinal Surgery Pathobiology Research Unit at Yale University School of Medicine. Her training concluded with a Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at Lehigh Valley Hospital, an affiliate of Pennsylvania State University, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Thomas is a member of the Sussex County Medical Society and the Medical Society of Delaware.

Dr. Thomas, married to neurologist William Thomas, Jr., MD, who also practices at Beebe Medical Group, enjoys spending time with family, friends, and their dogs outside of work. Together, they are parents to three children – William, Grant, and Jacqueline.

WSFS Bank announced that James Wechsler has been named executive vice president, chief commercial banking officer. In his new role, Wechsler will join the executive leadership team. Wechsler will assume the role as Steve Clark steps into a new role of senior advisor focused on business development, relationship management, and leadership support as part of WSFS’ succession planning.

“Jim is a respected leader with diverse experience in leadership roles at WSFS,” Rodger Levenson, WSFS chairman, president and CEO, said. “His collaborative working style and leadership skills coupled with his deep industry knowledge and ability to lead the growth of our Commercial Division make him an ideal fit for this role.” He added, “Jim’s promotion reflects our focus on overall talent development, having spent the majority of his career at WSFS, as well as our commitment to thoughtful and continual executive management succession planning.”

Levenson added, “Jim and Steve have worked closely for several years and will continue to do so to support a smooth leadership transition. We’d like to thank Steve for his 45 years, including 22 years at WSFS, of dedicated service to our industry and his Clients. Steve has left an indelible mark on our Company and our region’s economy, and we are all better off because of his efforts. We look forward to his continued guidance as he moves into the Senior Advisor role.”

Wechsler joined WSFS in 2010 and most recently held the role of chief operating officer, Commercial Banking. He has also held various senior roles at WSFS, including leading Corporate Development, Strategic Planning, Consumer Lending, and Small Business Banking. Wechsler received a B.S. in Finance from University of Delaware and an M.B.A. in Finance and Strategic Management from Villanova University. He serves on the Board of the Bryn Mawr Hospital Foundation, JFCS of Greater Philadelphia, and was a Director of locally-based home equity lending company, Spring EQ, until its successful sale in 2023. He is a Delaware Valley native and resides in Newtown Square, PA with his wife and their two children.

Goldey-Beacom College named Jenn Wells the marketing director, bringing over 15 years of experience in design, branding and marketing. In this newly created role, Wells oversees the College’s brand identity, develops strategic marketing initiatives focused on enrollment and works to elevate the college’s visibility by promoting new developments and opportunities available at the College.

Jenn Wells | PHOTO COURTESY OF GBC

Prior to joining Goldey-Beacom, Wells co-founded BrandSwan, an award-winning creative agency which is proudly 100% woman owned. During her tenure, she contributed to strategic marketing and design efforts for businesses and nonprofits. Her passion for creative solutions and strategic marketing now drives her efforts to help Goldey-Beacom College continue to grow its presence and attract future leaders.

Her diverse background spans several industries, including small business branding, nonprofit marketing, education, healthcare software and energy trading.

In addition, Wells is an experienced public speaker, having presented on marketing, design and leadership topics for local and national organizations including Temple University’s Small Business Development Center, the Diamond Challenge Delaware Regional Pitch Event, the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce Women’s Leadership Conference and OneCause. She has been mentioned in Technical.ly Delaware for her work with BrandSwan and Tapp Network.

Wells holds an Associate of Applied Science in Visual Communications from Delaware Technical Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Media Design from Wilmington University.

Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County has elected its 2024-2025 board of directors. “We are deeply grateful for the dedication and diverse expertise of our volunteer Board of Directors, whose guidance and unwavering support allow us to run our programs efficiently and effectively, meeting the needs of the communities we serve across Delaware and Delaware County, PA,” Colleen Morrone, president and CEO, said.

Goodwill’s Board of Directors elected the following as 2024-2025 officers of the board: