Delaware River & Bay Authority welcomes new board member
The Delaware River and Bay Authority welcomed a new board member July 16, as Commission Chairman Samuel E. Lathem administered the oath of office to James L. Collins of Magnolia, prior to the bi-state agency’s monthly meeting.
Collins replaced Henry J. Decker, who resigned effective July 1. The Delaware Senate unanimously confirmed his nomination June 26 to serve for the remaining two years of Decker’s five-year term, extending to July 1, 2026.
“I am honored that Gov. Carney appointed me to serve the residents of the state of Delaware as a DRBA commissioner,” Collins said. “The authority is a dynamic organization that benefits communities across the region. Working collaboratively with my fellow commissioners and executive management, I am hopeful to make a positive impact on the important mission of the DRBA.”
“Commissioner Collins is a distinguished IT professional with significant experience in both the private sector and government operations,” Lathem said. “He will bring additional insight and expertise to our policy discussions, and we’re fortunate to have him as a member of the Delaware delegation.”
A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Collins serves at Microsoft Corporation as public sector leader for the Americas, where he is responsible for helping governments transform through technology. The organization’s purpose is to expand public-sector business into the vertical areas of critical infrastructure and transportation, health and human services, public safety and justice, and public finance. He has spent the last four years engaging with public-sector leaders to support digital services for constituents.
Prior to joining Microsoft Corporation, Collins served for over 20 years in a variety of Delaware government roles with increasing responsibilities, culminating as the state’s chief information officer for six years under Gov. Jack Markell and Carney.
“With his impressive credentials and comprehensive background, Commissioner Collins brings a lot to the table,” said DRBA Executive Director Thomas J. Cook. “We’re confident that he will quickly become an integral member of our esteemed board and are thankful for his willingness to serve.”
Collins earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Wesley College and a master of science degree in managing innovation and information technology from Champlain College. He is also a graduate of the Council of State Governments Henry Toll Fellowship program, which is an intense leadership boot camp.
The commission comprises 12 commissioners, six each from Delaware and New Jersey, who are appointed by their respective governors. Commissioners serve on a voluntary basis and do not receive compensation for their service to the bi-state agency.
For more information, visit drba.net.
