Emily Cunningham confirmed as DSHA chief of staff

The Delaware State Housing Authority announced Emily Cunningham will serve as the agency's chief of staff.

Cunningham brings a wealth of diverse experience to her new role. She recently served as vice president of the Blood Bank of Delmarva. Prior to this role, she was chief of staff and policy analyst for the Delaware Department of Education, executing the priorities of the governor and the secretary of education as legislative liaison, and overseeing education policy, legislation, and regulation work as well as communications and human resources.

"Emily possesses decades of policy, communication, and management experience, which will be critical in advancing the agency's mission and impact on Delawareans," said Cynthia Karnai, director of DSHA. "I'm confident in the leadership and fresh perspective she will bring to this position."

Cunningham helped manage the 500-member staff of Delaware's Department of Justice as deputy chief of staff for Attorney General Matt Denn and, prior, served as chief of staff for Lt. Gov. Denn. She was also press secretary for U.S. Sen. Tom Carper.

"I am thrilled to be back with the State of Delaware and look forward to working with the talented team at DSHA to address housing in our state," said Cunningham.

She has been a dedicated member of the Ronald McDonald House Advisory Board since 2011 and a member of the Brandywine Valley SPCA board of directors since 2019. She has mentored students in Capital and Cape Henlopen school districts since 2010. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in English literature from Gettysburg College. Cunningham lives with her daughters in Rehoboth Beach.