By Vered Nohi, Executive Director, PICC
Gov. Jack A. Markell of Delaware accepted the 2016 Yitzhak Rabin Service Award at the Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia. The honor, bestowed each year by the Philadelphia-Israel Chamber of Commerce (PICC), was awarded to the governor for his work in forming powerful and productive commercial and research ties between Israel and the First State. [Read more…]
 Delaware Governor Jack Markell (center) was featured speaker at the recent Jewish Leadership Series luncheon. Hosted this time by the law firm Cozen O’Connor, the Jewish Leadership Series brings together professionals interested in politics and elected officials. Seen here with Governor Markell are (left to right) Michael Bronstein, the organizer of the event, and Israeli Consul General Daniel Kutner. |
— by Bonnie Squires
The latest in the Jewish Political Leadership Series luncheons, organized by Michael Bronstein, featured Delaware Governor Jack Markell, with the law firm of Cozen O’Connor hosting the event.
A bi-partisan group of Jewish leaders, including the Israeli Consul General Daniel Kutner and several elected officials in Philadelphia and the suburbs were among the attendees.
Governor Markell expressed concern about the state government budget cuts in education, contrary to the initiatives and philosophy of the Obama administration. He pointed out previous working relationships at the federal level, where President Reagan worked with Democrats to pass legislation, and where Bill Clinton worked with Republicans to further his administration’s objectives.
More after the jump.
 Cozen O’Connor attorney Gerald Riesenbach (right) welcomes Delaware Governor Jack Markell to the Jewish Leadership Series luncheon.
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He also expressed concern that the minute Obama was elected, Senator Mitch McConnell voiced the lone goal of the Republican party: to defeat President Obama. He called this “awful awful awful.”
Governor Markell said that education is one of the most important reasons that businesses can thrive in his state or any other state.
Governor Markell is currently the only Jewish governor in the country. He has an impressive national profile and is the former chair of the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) and currently serves as the National Governors Association (NGA) vice chair, slated to become chair in July.
He also has broad experience in the private sector, helping lead the wireless technology revolution as the 13th employee at Nextel (a name he coined), where he served as Senior Vice President for Corporate Development. His other prior business experience includes a senior management position at Comcast Corporation in Philadelphia, working as a consultant with McKinsey and Company, and as a banker at First Chicago Corporation.
He was elected Delaware State Treasurer in 1998, winning three consecutive terms, including his last re-election as treasurer in November of 2006 with an overwhelming 70 percent of the vote. As State Treasurer, Governor Markell worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Delawareans through innovative programs aimed at cutting spending and improving fiscal responsibility. He has been recognized in Delaware and across the country as a leader in promoting policies to help all people achieve their economic potential.
Photos: Bonnie Squires.
