Markell announces state treasurer appointee

Jones-Potter currently runs her own management consulting firm. Before launching her small business, she was an executive at two of Delaware’s largest companies - MBNA America and the DuPont Co.

“Velda learned the importance of effective and efficient operations and the importance of customer service in the corporate world, and then she went out and built a successful company that helps small businesses prosper,” Markell said. “That experience make her a natural fit to guide the State Treasurer’s Office through this historic economic downturn. I am confident that under her leadership, the office will continue to be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and continue to make a profound difference in the lives of Delawareans.”

At MBNA, where Jones-Potter was an executive vice president, her duties included being the director of customer satisfaction and leading a cost-reduction initiative. Her 17-year tenure at DuPont included an 18-month term as the city of Wilmington’s finance director under an executive loan program.

Jones-Potter was the valedictorian of her senior class at P.S. duPont High School, graduated from the University of Delaware with an engineering degree and then earned her master’s of business administration at Indiana University. She has also been active in the community. Jones-Potter is currently the president of the Wilmington Police Athletic League and was a founding member of the East Side Charter School’s board of directors.

Laying out clear priorities for the next two years, Jones-Potter said she will focus on responsible management of state finances, ensuring the office’s delivery of services remains effective and efficient, and continuing Markell’s significant investment in financial literacy programs.

“I am gratified that Gov.-elect Markell is giving me this opportunity,” Jones-Potter said. Jones-Potter will only be serving the remainder of Markell’s term.

She will not run for election in 2010.

“Helping Delaware overcome the significant challenges we are facing will require my complete focus,” Jones-Potter said. “I will not let politics distract me.”

Markell, who is in his third term as treasurer, will officially appoint Jones-Potter later this month. He will resign his state treasurer’s position immediately before being sworn in as governor Tuesday, Jan. 20.