New Castle County, DE Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

New Castle County, DE has 5 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, administrative coordination, human capital management, public safety technology, and fiscal planning.

Committed to providing essential public services, New Castle County, DE delivers comprehensive support for public safety, local libraries, and recreational facilities to the regional community.

Leadership Roles at New Castle County, DE

  • Chief Financial Officer - James Maxwell
  • Chief of Staff - Dennis Phifer
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Jacqueline Jenkins
  • Chief Technology Officer III, Public Safety Opporator - David MacDonna
  • Chief Finance Officer - Brian Maxwell
  • James Maxwell - Chief Financial Officer

    James Maxwell, the Chief Financial Officer at New Castle County, DE, directs the comprehensive fiscal strategy and budgetary allocation for the entire county government. Overseeing the long-term financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer manages complex revenue streams and ensures strict compliance with state and federal auditing standards. This leadership role involves coordinating with various departments to optimize resource distribution for public safety and infrastructure projects. By implementing rigorous financial controls, James Maxwell maintains the integrity of taxpayer funds while supporting the expansion of essential community services. The Chief Financial Officer also collaborates with the Board to forecast economic trends, ensuring the county remains resilient against market fluctuations. Through precise fiscal management, Maxwell secures the necessary capital to sustain public libraries and recreational programs, ultimately driving the economic stability of the region.

    Dennis Phifer - Chief of Staff

    Dennis Phifer, the Chief of Staff at New Castle County, DE, coordinates the daily operations and strategic initiatives across all government departments. Managing the flow of information between executive leadership and public service teams, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational goals align with the broader mission of providing accessible government services. This role involves facilitating cross-departmental communication to streamline the delivery of public safety and recreational programs. By optimizing internal workflows, Dennis Phifer enhances the efficiency of administrative processes throughout the county. The Chief of Staff also monitors the execution of policy directives, ensuring that every department meets performance benchmarks. Through consistent oversight of operational logistics, Phifer maintains the cohesion of the executive team, allowing the county to respond effectively to the evolving needs of the local population while upholding high standards of public service.

    Jacqueline Jenkins - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jacqueline Jenkins, the Chief Human Resources Officer at New Castle County, DE, architects the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the entire government entity. Overseeing the recruitment, training, and retention of public servants, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization maintains a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering quality services to the community. This leadership role involves managing labor relations, benefits administration, and organizational culture initiatives to foster a productive work environment. By implementing modern human capital management systems, Jacqueline Jenkins drives employee engagement and professional growth across all departments. The Chief Human Resources Officer also collaborates with executive leadership to align staffing levels with the operational requirements of public safety and library services. Through strategic workforce planning, Jenkins secures the human capital necessary to support the long-term mission of the county government.

    David MacDonna - Chief Technology Officer III, Public Safety Opporator

    David MacDonna, the Chief Technology Officer III, Public Safety Opporator at New Castle County, DE, directs the implementation of advanced digital infrastructure specifically tailored for emergency response and public safety operations. Overseeing the integration of mission-critical communication systems, the Chief Technology Officer III, Public Safety Opporator ensures that first responders possess the technological tools required for rapid incident management. This role involves managing complex data networks and cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive public information. By modernizing the technological framework of the county, David MacDonna enhances the reliability of emergency services and public safety coordination. The Chief Technology Officer III, Public Safety Opporator also evaluates emerging technologies to improve the efficiency of regional safety initiatives. Through the deployment of scalable digital solutions, MacDonna maintains the operational readiness of the county's public safety infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity and data integrity during critical events.

    Brian Maxwell - Chief Finance Officer

    Brian Maxwell, the Chief Finance Officer at New Castle County, DE, manages the daily accounting operations and treasury functions for the county government. Overseeing the precise tracking of expenditures and revenue collection, the Chief Finance Officer ensures that all financial transactions adhere to local government regulations. This leadership role involves preparing detailed financial reports that inform the strategic decision-making process for public infrastructure and community programs. By optimizing the cash flow management of the county, Brian Maxwell supports the consistent funding of public libraries and recreational facilities. The Chief Finance Officer also works closely with internal auditors to verify the accuracy of financial records and maintain transparency in government spending. Through diligent oversight of the accounting department, Maxwell provides the financial clarity required to sustain the county's operational capacity, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to meet the diverse needs of the regional population.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding New Castle County, DE Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads New Castle County, DE?
    New Castle County, DE is led by James Maxwell (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Dennis Phifer (Chief of Staff) and Jacqueline Jenkins (Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of New Castle County, DE’s executive team?
    The executive team of New Castle County, DE includes leaders such as James Maxwell (Chief Financial Officer), Dennis Phifer (Chief of Staff), Jacqueline Jenkins (Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does New Castle County, DE have?
    New Castle County, DE has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in New Castle County, DE’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of New Castle County, DE includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Technology Officer III, Public Safety Opporator, Chief Finance Officer.