Senator Karen Peterson
Karen earned her Bachelor of Science degree (summa cum laude) from Neumann University, Paralegal certification from Widener University, and Labor Relations certification from the University of Delaware. She retired from the Delaware Department of Labor in 2001 after 28 years of service, which included eight years as Director of the Division of Industrial Affairs. In 2002, she was elected to the state senate. She also served eight years as President of New Castle County Council.
State Representative Michael J. Ramone
State Representative in Delaware since 2008
Michael is proud and honored to be a part of the Yes U Can organization.
Michael attended the University of Delaware from 1979 through late 1982 when he opened his first business, Ramones Flower Shoppes. Since 1982, Michael, a true entrepreneur, has founded, owned and operated local businesses with his wife of 29 years, Lisa. Together, they currently own 6 successful businesses and employ over 200 individuals throughout the year. For 35 years, Michael’s passion has been coaching and mentoring children of all ages in swimming, and in life. He has coached at various community clubs and non profit organizations as well as at public and private high schools in New Castle County. Michael serves on the Board of the Make-a-Splash Foundation Delaware and as treasurer for Delaware Chemo-Care Foundation. He is past President of the Pike Creek /Hockessin Rotary. He is an active member of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, and the Delaware PTA. Michael continues to serve on the following State Committees: Joint Sunset Committee; Economic Development; Banking, Insurance and Commerce; Housing and Community Affairs; Revenue and and Finance; Veterans Affairs; and Labor. Additionally, he serves the people of our State by providing council to: The Kids Caucus, The Small Business Caucus, The Family Law Commission, and he is honored to be asked to serve on two Governors Counsel’s, the Governors Mentoring Council for Children and Youth, and the Governors Council on Health, Promotion, and Disease Prevention.
Lisa J.F. Ramone
After spending almost two years as an international student in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Lisa attended the University of Delaware and graduated in 1983 with a B.A. in Sociology and Communication. For 12 years Lisa worked in the health insurance industry, first for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware, then as an independent contractor with Mid-Atlantic Health Systems as a health insurance plan educator. Swim coach and mentor to the children of others since the early 1980′s, Lisa has worked side by side with her husband, Michael, for 30 years. Lisa is co-founder and co-owner of the various businesses that employ and service this local community; BC Communities, AMS -Aquatic Management Systems , Ramone’s Landscaping, The Delaware Swim and Fitness Centers of New Castle and Pike Creek, The Delaware Swim School, and The Delaware Swim Team. A member of the Board of Trustees of The Independence School, and an advocate for many community programs and organizations that emphasize health, safety and fitness of both youth and adults, Lisa continues to teach water safety and swim lessons to children and adults of all ages.
Michael E. Dunning – Vice Chair / Treasurer
Mike, a 1967 graduate of The University of Delaware with a B.S. in Accounting, started working in industry and worked 14 years first with Hercules and finally with ICI. He left ICI in 1981 to start an accounting and tax business, which still operates today and is about to celebrate its 30 year anniversary. The current business is MED Tax Inc and is located at 407 Philadelphia Pike in North Wilmington.
Stephen C. Goodwin, Ph.D. – Secretary
Dr. Goodwin received his Ph.D. in Health Education from The Pennsylvania State University in 1993. Some of his experience in working with individuals with disabilities includes teaching at the Vanguard School for students with learning disabilities and emotional problems, and teaching Adapted Physical Education at the University of Delaware for approximately 10 years. During that time he conducted adapted physical education workshops at the Eastern District Association (EDA) for the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, and Dance (AAHPERD) at the National AAHPERD Convention, the Pennsylvania AAHPERD Convention, and the Delaware AAHPERD Convention. He has also presented on “Adapting Adventure Activities for Participants with Disabilities” at the AAHPERD in New Orleans, LA. and “Vision Impaired Activities” EDA, Burlington, VT.
William E. Pelham, AIA - Strategic Advisor
Bill graduated from the University of Penn Architecture and served the tri-state area (Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania) from his Wilmington office since 1966. He is the President of Community Design Center, 501(c)(3) and was the past Chairman of Access Wilmington, Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities. He currently serves in two capacities: as Chairman, Building Materials and Appeals Board, Dept. Licenses and Inspections, City of Wilmington and as Chairman Governor’s Community Involvement Advisory Council.
