Jennifer L. Cohan Named President of Associated Builders and Contractors, Delaware Chapter
New Castle, Delaware- 10/7/24 - The Associated Builders and Contractors, Delaware Chapter (ABC Delaware) is proud to announce the appointment of Jennifer L. Cohan as its new President. She will succeed Edward Capodanno who is retiring after 32 years of service. Cohan, a highly accomplished executive with over 35 years of leadership experience in public administration, legislative relations, membership organizations, and higher education, brings an extraordinary level of expertise to this role.
Cohan currently serves as the CEO of Leadership Delaware Inc., where she has successfully guided the organization in its mission to develop executive-level professionals. Under her leadership, Leadership Delaware Inc. has earned recognition as an award-winning non-profit organization known for cultivating the next generation of leaders.
Her career has been defined by her ability to drive organizational growth, build strategic partnerships, and spearhead initiatives that achieve lasting impacts. She served as Cabinet Secretary for the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), overseeing a 2,500-employee organization and leading the development of the most significant capital infrastructure in Delaware’s history. During her tenure, she worked with the General Assembly to secure an additional $350 million in revenues for transportation projects. She transformed the Division of Motor Vehicles as its Director and implemented agency-wide reforms that improved customer service and streamlined operations.
Cohan was named Delaware Stars and Person of the Year in 2021 and was inducted into the Delaware Woman’s Hall of Fame that same year. Most recently, she was recognized as the CEO of the Year in 2024 by the Delaware Business Times.
In her new role as President of the Delaware ABC, Cohan will lead efforts supporting the growth and success of the state’s construction industry while fostering collaboration between builders, contractors, and policymakers. Her extensive experience in both public service and the private sector, including her leadership roles with organizations such as the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) and the I-95 Corridor Coalition, will be instrumental in guiding Delaware ABC toward a bright future.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Cohan as our new President,” Brian Martinenza, Chair of the Board for ABC Delaware. “Her visionary leadership and deep commitment to Delaware's development make her the perfect choice to lead our organization. We are confident that Jennifer will continue our mission of supporting the construction industry in our state.”
Cohan holds a Master of Science in Management with a focus on Public Administration from Wilmington University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Wilmington University, teaching leadership, public policy, and change management courses.
For more information, please contact:
Edward Capodanno
Associated Builders and Contractors
(302) 328-1111
ABC Delaware is the state's leading voice for the construction industry, advocating for the rights and interests of builders, contractors, and related businesses. The organization provides resources, networking opportunities, and training programs to foster a competitive and professional construction environment.
New Castle County Chamber of Commerce 